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Detroit Public Schools bring out the latest weapon in arsenal to fight chronic absenteeism: Laundry machines

Schools are incentivizing kids to come to class as chronic absenteeism remains a major post-pandemic concern, but the lattermost – taking effect in Detroit Public Schools – might sound a bit unconventional without context.

"I do stay in an apartment and it’s hard for me sometimes to put money on the card because they close at a certain time," she added.

Washing machines are being installed in public schools in Detroit to help some students from lower-income households. (iStock)

Willis said installing the washers and dryers helps kids from less privileged households, including one who has no running water at home and is bullied regularly.

Though unclear if she was referencing the same student, she noted that one student who doesn't have laundry machines at home approaches her and often asks her to take her clothes to the washing machine.

Classrooms have had more than a few empty seats since the COVID-19 pandemic as some districts struggle to get them back to class. (Getty Images)

"One student came to me like, 'I don’t have a washing machine at home. Do you mind if you take my clothes to the washing machine, to the laundromat?' So, I took it and brought it back to her," she recalled.

In another instance, Davis Aerospace Technical High School teacher Janine Scott said she noticed a student she thought had poor hygiene actually just needed to have his hoodie washed, and the problem extends to other students, especially of younger age groups, as well. 

Older age groups reportedly avoid the embarrassment by either finding ways to cover up the scent or staying out of class altogether.

The same report said more than half of the district's 108 schools now have the appliances installed.