Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Truancy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board hears that new truancy referrals can lead to court and possible fines; staff say program includes supports
Summary
District staff described a new county-assisted truancy process that has led to court appearances for families with very low student attendance; speakers said the process offers parenting/care programs and check‑ins but noted a possible fine of up to $2,000 per student in some cases.
Board discussion centered on a new truancy enforcement pathway the district and county have begun using to address chronically low student attendance. A staff member described recent court appearances involving families and said some students’ attendance rates were as low as roughly 30%. "We've submitted all the things we have as far as attendance and attempts to contact and home visits," the staff member said, noting that referrals occur after multiple interventions.
Another speaker explained how the court process now includes a supervised ticket and a parenting/care program as an alternative to immediate fines: "You can plead no contest and engage in a parenting…care program…there are regular check ins with the judge," one participant said. A separate speaker noted the monetary figure mentioned during the discussion: "This is a $2,000 fine per student," he said, distinguishing the newer, higher‑penalty supervised ticket from the older compulsory attendance citation. Board members and staff described the citation as a last resort and said the goal is to connect families with services and improve attendance rather than punishment alone.
