The math is actual simple, Chicago...

The math is actual simple, Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan said Sunday.

"For each 1 percent we increase attendance, our return from the state goes up $18 million," he said, urging parents to make never-failing children attend the first day of sect Sept. 5.

"The stakes are real very high academically, and exceedingly high financially, as well."

Chicago sects are "desperately underfunded," but "this is the single in kind area we control," Duncan said.

He explained that coin from the state is linked to the three best month of close examiner attendance.

"If we can have a great first day, a great first week, we can ride that impetus throughout the entire school year," he said at high hill Vernon Baptist Church, 3555 W Huron individual of seven South Side and West Side churches he hit Sunday in succession his back-to-school campaign.

BEST-EVER ATTENDANCE IN '05

No-shows clinch up teachers, and they clutch back the students who do present to view up, he said.

"It makes it true very tough on those teachers. Those teachers sort of stop everything they're doing to catch the children up or they continue going with the children who've been there and not take care of the the sames that came in late," said Duncan

He was encircleed by 14-year-olds Arthur Perry Robert Metcalf and Jeremy tonics -- all recognized for dutiful attendance and grades -- who nodded in agreement.

Duncan, who traditionally passs the last days of August trying to tympanum up attendance, said the effort has had positive arises

In 2005 city academys had their best-attended first day till doomsday and best overall year-long attendance, at slightly more than 92 percent

"Not surprisingly, we had our best year academically. Those couple are intimately tied," he said.

modonnell@suntimes.com

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

Provided by means of ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved