LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky’s largest school district, said the number of students considered chronically absent dropped this school year. 

What You Need To Know

  • Jefferson County Public Schools says it is improving on chronic absenteeism

  • A student is labeled chronically absent if they miss 10 percent or more of the school year

  • The District said through December, 28.4% of JCPS students have been chronically absent, which is down from last year

  • The district also says they’ve sent 2.3 million text messages about attendance to JCPS parents or guardians this year 

Jefferson County Public Schools said its effort to get more students to school more often, is paying off.

A student is labeled chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of the school year, which translates to approximately two days a month or approximately 18 days a school year.

JCPS said through December, 28.4% of students have been chronically absent. They said that is a decease of 5.5%. That works out to about 4,000 students fewer than the same time period during the 2023-24 school year, according to the district. The district also says they’ve sent 2.3 million text messages about attendance to JCPS parents or guardians so far this school year.

Dr. Matt Anderson, Jefferson County Public Schools Assistant Superintendent for Climate and Culture said, “Chronic absenteeism is something we take very seriously at the district and we’ve seen an increase, much like many other districts in the nation have seen and we’ve done a lot to combat that. So, we’ve really been doing some targeted work to address that and our numbers are improving. So, we’re excited about that.”

When asked why chronic absenteeism happens. School leaders said there are numerous reasons including, poverty, community barriers that keeps kids out of school or health concerns.

“Research is directly connected to students being in school and performing well on tests, so again, around that communicating with schools, making yourself aware of being mindful of when you do keep your students out of school. When you schedule doctors appointments, when you take vacations. All of those things can have an impact,” Dr. Anderson said.

The district said more than 4,100 students who missed over 15 days of school were referred to the County Attorney’s Office, as required by law.

“Obviously, we want that number to be zero. We want kids there every day. That number is lower than it would’ve been yesterday and we’re seeing progress,” Dr. Anderson explained. “As a result of House Bill 611, we are required to refer those families to the county attorneys and we have a great working relationship with them.”

The district has an attendance team that calls the parents or guardians of students who are on the verge of missing too much school or are chronically absent.

JCPS also has team members who make home visits and meet with families. They send attendance post cards. They’ve also increased communications with families.

“Via text message and email. Parents receive monthly updates about exactly where their student is performing when it comes to attendance,” said Anderson.

There are things parents can do today to help their students.

Anderson said, “Communicate with your school I think is extremely helpful and educate yourself on the topic.”

As the district combats chronic absenteeism.

JCPS has resources and more information on attendance.

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