State puts millions into door-to-door program to combat school absenteeism

In Connecticut, most kids are back in the classroom – but some still aren't showing up at all, not even virtually.
In Meriden, 8% of students aren't showing up for class. History teacher Lauren Mancini-Averitt told Gov. Lamont that she spends hours tracking down her own students.
"I've had students who sign on every day and do what I ask them to do, and I have students who we cannot find or see,” she told News 12.
MONTHLY ATTENDANCE REPORT: Interactive Map
That's why Connecticut is pouring $10 million in federal relief money to combat the problem. In Meriden, Bridgeport, Stamford and a dozen other districts, teams will go door-to-door reaching out to parents.
Since the pandemic began, chronic absenteeism has almost doubled, especially among kids with disabilities and housing issues.
Connecticut's Acting Education Commissioner Charlene Russel-Tucker says they want to work with parents.
"There are issues. Some of it may be connectivity. Some of it may be just needing to work with parents," she says.
She’s expected to give parents an update on school procedures for this fall in about one month.