Lubbock Judge Takes Firm Stand on Student Truancy Accountability Measures

In a recent meeting of the Lubbock County Special Commissioners' Court, a passionate discussion unfolded around the pressing issue of truancy among local students. The courtroom buzzed with energy as a judge shared her commitment to holding parents accountable for their children's school attendance, a topic she described as one of her "big things."

The judge recounted her experiences over the past year, highlighting a significant increase in truancy cases. With the start of the second semester, she began collaborating with truancy officers from various high schools, including Monterey, Coronado, and Lubbock High. Her firm approach has garnered attention, with colleagues noting her unique ability to enforce accountability among both students and parents. "I don't let the parents get away with it," she asserted, emphasizing her dedication to maintaining discipline in her courtroom.

Statistics presented during the meeting revealed a dramatic rise in truancy cases processed by her court. From just over 200 cases in previous years, the number surged to 507 in the last school year, with projections suggesting that this could escalate to between 1,400 and 1,500 cases in the upcoming year. This increase reflects the growing involvement of schools in filing truancy cases, with 90% now opting to bring their cases to her court.

In light of this increased workload, the judge proposed a salary adjustment, referencing a similar situation in Midland where a truancy judge received a $10,000 raise for taking on additional responsibilities. She noted that while elected officials typically receive modest raises, the state recently granted a 25% increase to district and county court judges, raising questions about the disparity in compensation for local officials.

The conversation also touched on the complexities of managing truancy cases across multiple judges. The judge revealed that Texas education code mandates a committee involving county judges and school officials to ensure consistent protocols among judges handling truancy. However, she expressed skepticism about the necessity of involving the city mayor in these discussions.

As the meeting concluded, the judge's fervor for addressing truancy resonated with attendees, leaving a clear message: the fight against student absenteeism is not just a legal obligation but a community commitment. The implications of her work extend beyond the courtroom, aiming to foster a culture of accountability and support for Lubbock's youth.