In public schools, 94 percent of students come to class every day.

But our investigation uncovered how thousands of students in charter schools -- operated by for-profit companies -- frequently fail to show up.

It cost taxpayers $30 million in state funds last year.

State Rep. Michael Skindell watched our 5 On Your Side investigation and is outraged.

"It's a waste of taxpayer money. We as a General Assembly have allowed certain poor-performing charter schools to continue in existence and to continue to take this money," Skindell said.

Skindell said charter schools like the 17 Life Skills Centers in Ohio are wasting your money.

According to Department of Education records, Ohio's Life Skills Centers absentee rate for the 2006-2007 school year was nearly 46 percent.

Skindell said, "Your investigation is disturbing. It's disturbing because it's a loss of taxpayer dollars. It's disturbing that the General Assembly needs to do more."

Skindell has long been a watchdog on charter school performance.

"This is very serious. Ohio has limited revenue because of the downturn in the economy. We need to ensure that our tax dollars are used in a wise way so that we can educate our students throughout the state," Skindell stated.

In Ohio, schools are funded based solely on enrollment, not attendance. The Life Skills Centers we showed you are all on academic watch or academic emergency.

As a result of our investigation, Skindell said he will immediately seek the power to shut down charter schools that fail to meet performance standards.

"My promise is to bring forth legislation to ensure greater accountability. That's what I have fought for in the last six years and that's what I will continue to fight for," Skindell explained.