Truancy Law Raises Questions For Area School Administrators Sending Absentee Cases To Court Will Add A New Burden

A new state law requiring school districts to take students and parents to court after a student has five unexcused absences has Spokane Valley administrators scratching their heads.

“Is this going to get bogged down in the courts?” asked Chuck Stocker, East Valley School District superintendent. “The intent (of the law) is good, but it might be unmanageable.”

The law was passed last spring and took effect this fall. It requires school officials to notify parents when a child skips school. On the second unexcused absence, a conference between the parent, student and staff members is set up to address the absenteeism.

The plan may include adjusting the student’s schedule, providing remedial instruction or providing vocational or work experience. Subsequent absences will require review or changes to the plan.

“That’s a full-time job for a social worker,” said Ray Stookey, assistant principal of East Valley High School. “You know, I’ve got 1,400 kids.”

After five unexcused absences in a month, or 10 in a year, the school district is required to file a petition with the juvenile court alleging a violation of the Washington state attendance laws by the student, parent or both.

Administrators wondered how the overloaded juvenile court system would treat cases caused by truancy when it’s handling rising youth violence.

“Are they going to take on a kid that has five unexcused absences?” wondered Erik Ohlund, principal of University High School.

Administrators at most Valley school districts say they already have tough policies on absenteeism. At West Valley School District, when conferences with parents and students don’t work, students are suspended after three unexcused absences.

”(A student) won’t get to the fifth time,” said Cleve Penberthy, principal of West Valley High School. “That’s interpreting the law more rigidly than the court.”

At Central Valley High School, administrators notify parents by phone each time there is an absence, said Principal Paul Sturm. If it becomes a chronic problem, parents, teachers, counselors and the student discuss the situation.

“I’m concerned we’re going to spend a lot of time in administrative detail that could be spent working with parents to affect change,” Sturm said. “(The law) adds a documentation layer and an administrative loop, but the intent is on the money.”

Because of the possible legal action, districts are required under the new law to document each phone call and each letter home regarding absenteeism, as if preparing a court case, said Neil Prescott, CV’s consultant on policy.

Some administrators say they might have to hire someone to handle increased paperwork and to act as liaison to the courts.

“The role of principal is far too important to be sitting in court,” said Dave Smith, superintendent of West Valley School District.

, DataTimes