Schools In Southwest Virginia Are Seeing A Jump In Chronic Absenteeism, Likely Due To A Combination Of A Law Loophole, The Pandemic Fallout, And Poverty. During The 2021-22 School Year, More Than 29-Percent Of Virginia Students Statewide Missed 18 Or More Days Of School. Bristol Virginia’S Absentee Rate In 2021 Was 34-Percent. According To Director Of Schools, Dr. Keith Perrigan, Addressing The Issue Is A Challenge. He Said The School Systems In The State Can’T Rely On The Courts To Address Truancy Due To Lack Of State Law. Additionally, Many Of The Courts Are Overrun Dealing With More Serious Criminal Charges.