VALLEY, Neb. —

In the 2023-24 school year, over 68,000 students in Nebraska, or 22% of students , were considered chronically absent, meaning they missed 10% or more of their class time for any type of absence.

This is significantly higher than pre-COVID-19 pandemic rates of absenteeism , KETV investigates found. The Nebraska State Education Association President says the pandemic added to the rate.

"We've always worked with struggling families. We've always worked with like medical issues, but that is definitely the new thing post-pandemic, of just school is not seen as a priority," NSEA President Tim Royers said.

The Nebraska Education Commission has set a goal of halving the absenteeism rate by 2030. Some districts are instituting their own pilot programs to help curb the rate

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