LOUISVILLE, Ky. — House Bill 611 went into effect this school year, requiring Jefferson County Public Schools to report guardians with students who have 15 or more absences to the County Attorney’s office.

Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell said his office is reviewing more than 4,000 referrals for K-5 students alone.

“I’ll do anything I can do, within whatever constraints are placed upon me, but we are not going to stand for it," O'Connell said.

Last school year, the district said it sent families more than 4.5 million text messages about attendance.

At a Tuesday news conference, O’Connell said his office is focusing its efforts on elementary students because they rely on parents and guardians to get to school.

“If anyone’s listening to this and think this is a JCPS problem

See Full Page