Today is the first day of school in Franklin County and many other cities across the commonwealth. But there’s a concern that many students may not attend school this year. Nearly 3 out of every 4 Kentucky public school districts are experiencing something called chronic absenteeism. This means that many of their students are absent over 10% of the time. In response, the Kentucky Department of Education has set up a Working Group to address the challenge. But recall where this problem started. Chronic absenteeism dramatically increased after the COVID pandemic lockdowns. Public schools were shut for over a year. And this not only hindered children’s education, it sent the wrong message: that in-person attendance is optional. Now, many school districts are facing the consequences, and Kentucky kids are suffering for it.