LUCAS, Ohio-Chronic absenteeism remains a significant issue in Ohio schools, worsened by the pandemic. Defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, chronic absenteeism affects students’ academic progress. In 2023, 27.1% of students in Lucas County were chronically absent, a decrease from 32.4% in 2022. Local districts are addressing the problem through support programs and incentives. Toledo Public Schools’ “Get Connected” program employs community members to engage with families and address barriers to attendance, while Washington Local Schools is proactively working with families to prevent chronic absenteeism. Both districts are also offering incentives to encourage good or improved attendance.
