APPLETON, Wis. — A truancy ordinance is now back in force in the Appleton Area School District.
The Common Council Wednesday approves a resolution from the Safety and Licensing Committee recommending a truancy ordinance designed to act against students who’ve missed 10 percent of required school days.
Alder Brad Firkus believes the district can use the ordinance to get students back on track to graduate.
Alder Patrick Hayden has high hopes that the ordinance will achieve its objective.
Alder Patti Heffernen raised concerns about school district overreach in the lives of students and families.
Alder Vered Meltzer also questioned the ordinance’s effectiveness.
The new ordinance will be reviewed after a four-semester trial period. It allows students and their families to be fined for non-compliance with attendance requirements or failing to work with their schools to address chronic absenteeism.
