Richmond Public Schools reports about 1 in 5 of its students are on pace to be chronically absent this school year.
In a presentation to the school board Monday, 21.5 percent of students were considered chronically absent as of Oct. 5. The rate is three percent higher than this time last year.
The state defines a student as ‘chronically absent’ if they miss 10 percent or more of the school year.
“It’s heartbreaking. and unfortunately, this is one of those challenges we knew we would encounter by being virtual,” said Superintendent Jason Kamras.
School leaders identify three main reasons for the high absence rate. Lack of adult supervision, the school system being unaware of broken technology devices and a rise in crime are all contributing.