In a recent effort by the State of Georgia, it was mandated that public schools curb student truancy and chronic absences. One third of Georgia's middle and high school students missed ten or more days of school per school year. In an attempt to efficiently address this issue, Atlanta Public Schools (APS) presented a system-wide six point strategic plan to improve student performance in all schools within its purview. Adding the issues and causes of absenteeism and tardiness to this plan seemed like the most logical thing to do.

Atlanta's Weed and Seed has pledged to obtain resource to help decrease the number of students with ten or more absences per school year in Mechanicsville and Pittsburgh, by offering incentives provided by corporate and private sponsors to students who are most improved in the areas of absenteeism and tardiness. Representatives from the Office of the Mayor, APS, MARTA, The Downtown Ambassador Force, The Atlanta Police Department and community residents created a comprehensive marketing crusade to KEEP STUDENTS IN SCHOOL! This campaign educates the community at-large about truancy laws and engages the business community in the Keeping Students In School Initiative.

New and old business proprietors in Weed and Seed's neighborhoods, as a result of this campaign, have agreed to prominently display the KSIS "Stop Sign" decal on the windows and doors of their establishments having vowed not to admit school aged children into their stores during school hours.

Upon applying for a new business license or renewing an old one, information concerning admitting children into their establishments during school hours will be available for all business owners to examine.