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Douglas County commissioners defer decision on in‑house truancy program after split vote
Summary
After extended debate and split votes, the commission declined to approve a staff proposal to implement an in‑house Elementary/Middle School truancy program (Everyday Counts) and instead deferred action until the full five‑member board can vote. One interim motion to continue funding the existing Center for Supportive Communities program was proposed during debate.
The Board of Douglas County Commissioners on May 27 deferred a decision on the proposed "Everyday Counts" elementary and middle‑school truancy program after an extended discussion and a split vote on the staff recommendation.
Katie Fitzgerald, the county’s criminal justice coordinator, presented a revised model for the Everyday Counts program that staff said responds to superintendent feedback: it removes the neighborhood truancy board, reduces attendance targets, proposes a streamlined district referral form and a truancy database, and would add a county truancy coordinator to manage casework if the board approves the plan.
The district attorney, Lubas, told the commission that younger students’ nonattendance is typically driven by family disruptions (transportation, housing, illness) and stressed the program’s effectiveness depends on early, timely referrals from schools so the office can provide interventions before court filings.
Commissioners raised several questions: whether the county should run the program directly or continue to fund community partners (Center for Supportive Communities, O'Connell Youth Ranch); whether one additional county FTE would be sufficient given uncertain referral volumes; and whether funding should be braided across partners and districts. Staff said the 2026 proposal fits within existing levied funds and would repurpose money previously placed in contingency for truancy services.
Two community partners spoke during public comment. Meg Davis, vice president of the Social Service League, proposed piloting exercise programs for truant youth. Dr. Kelsey Dockman, executive director of the Center for Supportive Communities, explained that CSC had requested supplemental funds during the 2026 budget process because of uncertainty around AmeriCorps funding and defended CSC’s continued role in delivering services.
Commissioner Dorsey moved to implement the staff proposal and to authorize release of the truancy fund balance ($87,500) to Criminal Justice Services; the board was split on that motion. Debate continued with alternative proposals including a motion by Commissioner Anderson to continue funding CSC for 2026 using the $87,500 while staff continues convening stakeholders. Commissioners ultimately voted to defer final action until Commissioner Willie can participate so the full five‑member board can decide.
The deferral preserves time for additional stakeholder engagement and for commissioners to review community partner budget proposals before any permanent change to how the county funds or operates truancy interventions.
