Staff Reports
Jefferson ISD has developed a Truancy Plan that will enforce truancy laws established by the Texas Education Code.
“Since the onset Covid-19, we have faced continual problems district-wide truancy issues,” JISD Police Chief Dale C. Sherrill, Jr. said in a press releases earlier this week. “Although public schools operate under state mandates related to the compulsory attendance law, we understand that students occasionally may miss school. The Truancy Plan is focused on communicating and working with students and parents/guardians in order to maintain good attendance.”
According to Sherrill, research has proven that attendance is directly related to the academic success of each student.
“At JISD, we want all of our students to have a top-notch education and we will do everything we can to ensure each student has the opportunity to learn and grow academically,” he said.
Under the new plan, each parent/guardian will receive a Truancy Warning Notice at the beginning of the school year that will explain the laws and consequences related to truancy.
If a student has 10 unexcused days or parts of days within a six-month period, he/she will be considered truant under state law established by the Texas Education Code, Sherill said.
The truency process going forward, will be as follows:
-The parent/guardian notified on third unexcused student absence within a four week period and a Truancy Prevetnion Measure will be implemented.
-A Behavioral Improvement Plan/School-Based Community Service Plan will be given to student.
-Additional contact (phone calls and letters) will be made to the parent/guardian of the student, as appropriate.
-A home visit from the Jefferson ISD Chief of Police will be conducted, if warranted.
“If a student fails to maintain minimum attendance requirements and is non-compliant concerning the Jefferson ISD Truancy Plan, a citation will be issued to the parent/guardian for ‘Parents Contributing to Nonattendance,’” Sherill said.
Such citations may result in a fine through the Jefferson Municipal Court.
Potential fines are as follows:
-First offense: $100.
-Second offense: $200.
-Third offense: $300.
-Fourth offense: $400.
-Fifth offense: $500.
-Each subsequent offense: $500.
For more information, contact Sherrill at 903-665-2461, ext. 3005.