Iola ISD takes ‘vigilant’ approach tracking absences after the death of Audrii Cunningham

IOLA, Texas (KBTX) – A local school district is doing its part to better track student absences after Audrii Cunningham was tragically kidnapped and killed.

When the 11-year-old didn’t show up to school, officials waited several hours before contacting law enforcement. Now, Iola ISD is adjusting the way they communicate with parents when their children are absent.

The thought of a similar story unfolding in Iola led Superintendent Jeff Dyer to take swift action. He said the tragedy gave the district a wake-up call to look closer at attendance-taking practices.

“I had a team meeting yesterday and some ladies were very concerned about tracking students. And so we decided that we would put some extra things in place,” Dyer said.

The district shared a Facebook post encouraging parents to notify their child’s school if they’ll be absent, ensuring each student is accounted for.

The post promises a ‘more vigilant’ approach to monitoring student attendance and absences.

“We would love for the parents to be very proactive. Send us that email, send us a text, or call. That way we are aware that their child is not going to be here because we’re concerned about all children,” Dyer said.

Iola ISD takes attendance at 10 a.m. After learning more about the timeline of Cunningham’s disappearance, and how long it took for authorities to be notified, Dyer said it became clear any delay in communication could be a possible safety concern.

“That little bit of time that can be saved could be a world of difference in making sure that that child is safe,” school resource officer Davis Use said.

For Use, student safety goes much deeper.

“These are my neighbor’s kids. I consider them all friends and family. So it means a lot to take care of those kids,” he said.

In the meantime, Iola ISD is looking for ways to more quickly communicate with parents when their child is absent without notice. Dyer said they’re considering a more personal approach by following up with a phone call to check in with the parent.

“We kind of looked at this as a school changing moment,” he added.