Area Schools Deal With New State Truancy Laws

There are new laws on the books that deal with a growing problem of truancy. The hope is to keep students in school and engaged in the subject material. Area schools continue to try and curb the problem, but according to Forest City Community Schools Superintendent Darwin Lehmann, his district also has a few truancy issues.

Lehmann also sees other factors that play into the truancy exhibited by a small number of students.

Lehmann also serves as the Central Springs Community Schools Superintendent. At the Forest City Schools, he has been instrumental in getting mental health programs started to assist the students.

He encourages teacher involvement with training on how to recognize potential mental health issues.

The district along with all others in the state, were given guidelines to determine truancy by a student.

There are a few exceptions that do not count against a student missing classes.

A funeral does not apply as a religious exception. State legislators may revisit that in the next legislative session. Lehmann, the teachers, and staff continue to work with students to encourage their success.