GASTONIA, N.C. -- Gaston County Schools officials are increasing the number of calls to residences to try to eliminate a staggering statistic.

“Gaston County has a problem with school attendance period. We rank 113th out of 115 North Carolina school districts in school attendance,” said GCS Superintendent Reeves McGlohon.

He said that must change.

On Tuesday a school social worker and a police officer set out to make house calls, something they’ll do four times a year to some of their worst violators.

The social worker said it’s important for students to attend school on a regular basis so that they can obtain a quality education. She told one mother her son, who was at home when they arrived, has already missed a total of 26 days and has been late 10 times.

She told them her son oversleeps and she can’t get him out the door and on the bus on time.

McGlohon said one reason for the absences can be seen in almost every neighborhood. He said Gaston County used to be loaded with textile mills that would employ anyone regardless of education.

“There was a time in Gaston County when a kid could drop out on Friday and have a job on Monday. Those days are gone,” he said.

The superintendent said the school district will do whatever is needed to get students back in class, including providing services, such as transportation. He said those who still can’t make it to class on time will be hauled in to court along with their parents to answer why.

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