Hamilton County: Report shows progress on truancy

More than 6,000 Hamilton County Schools students have missed class more than five days since the start of this school year. According to state guidelines, that classifies them as truant.

School officials said Thursday night that number is a marked improvement from the 9,265 truancies recorded at this time last year.

“What’s causing (this reduction) to come about is that information is being presented and parents are having the opportunity to be reached prior to their students becoming truant,” said Sheryl Randolph, director of student services for Hamilton County Schools. “They are getting the chance to clear up anything that is incorrect (in their attendance record).”

The school system, while posting fewer truancies than other similar-sized school systems in Tennessee, has been criticized for having 19,000 truancies last year. Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge Bob Moon has been the system’s most ardent critic, pressuring school leaders to allow the district attorney to prosecute parents of truant students in his court.

Ms. Randolph, in a report to the Hamilton County Board of Education on Thursday evening, said more than 400 students are facing criminal charges in Juvenile Court because of their poor attendance records.

Board member Janice Boydston said after reviewing Ms. Randolph’s report that the system’s “truancy problem, or lack thereof, is much better in high school, middle school and elementary school than in Knox County.

“In a perfect world we would have 100 percent attendance, but we don’t live there,” Ms. Boydston said.

Since the start of the school year, attendance has averaged 93.8 percent, school system figures show.

In other business, the news this week that 21st Century Academy is one of two county schools being considered for closure brought out a large crowd for the school board meeting.

The school, mentioned along with Howard Middle School, is being considered for closure as a way to shore up a $20 million budget shortfall. Parents held signs proclaiming their “love” for the school. Students and parents gave letters and petitions to Dr. Jim Scales, superintendent of schools.

“When there is a shortfall, our school is generally mentioned for closing,” said Glenda Thompson, president of the 21st Century PTA, speaking after the meeting. “We have excellent numbers. (School system leaders) are looking at our small size, but we have very big accomplishments.”

The school system’s delegation was not allowed to speak at Thursday’s meeting. Board policy requires three days notice to be placed on the board agenda.