APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Appleton continued its truancy discussions Wednesday night.
But after more than two hours of discussion at the committee meeting, no action was taken.
Appleton will hold off two more weeks before further discussion on truancy citations, as the safety and licensing committee said it needs more time to iron out details and take information in.
The Appleton Area School District said the new penalties would affect only 31 high school students — those who have stopped attending school and have made no contact with the school, calling it a last tool in the toolbox, of sorts.
“We could fill this room many times over with concerned high school staff members,” said AASD Superintendent Greg Hartjes. “It’s a significant, significant concern for our staff.”
One teacher echoed that sentiment.
“They’re going to show up when they have the option of either going to school and getting the help necessary, or a more difficult choice,” said Appleton North High School teacher Chad Endres.
That more difficult choice is a $250 citation. This would not look like the truancy court that was struck down in 2019, according to the district.
AASD is asking for a trial period of four semesters beginning this fall.
Truancy critics say more support is needed, rather than citations.
“I’m very concerned that if we go down this route, we’re gonna go down a slippery slope and have some negative, maybe unintentional consequences, in the next 5, 10 or even 15 years and beyond,” said Appleton Area School District parent Michelle Pauli.
Multiple Appleton residents voiced that, saying research was mixed.
We’ll have to wait two more weeks until things can progress. That’s when the Appleton safety and licensing committee will discuss again.
