Appleton truancy resolution delayed until next month
All voiced their concern about the potential negative impact of punitive measures on students. Several emphasized the need to gather information and carefully craft any future policies. Most argued that the root causes of truancy must be addressed to truly solve the problem.
In a 5-0 vote on Wednesday evening, the Appleton Safety and Licensing Committee decided to delay further discussion of the contentious truancy resolution until May 14.
Alder William Siebers said he introduced the resolution when Superintendent Greg Hartjes asked for help with the issue.
“We have a serious problem with school truancy and specifically chronic absenteeism,” said Siebers, who stressed that the resolution would not bring back the punitive measures of the truancy court, which was suspended in December 2018. “This resolution is a shell (in that) it merely indicates that the city agrees to become partners with the school district in addressing this problem. It purposely does not provide a great deal of substance.”
He went on to recommend holding the resolution in the Committee until the May 14 meeting. In the meantime, there will be a meeting on April 15 in which the mayor, the attorney’s office, police department, the school district, county and judiciary will discuss a potential truancy ordinance, what it is and how it will be implemented. Public input by students and parents is also certain to be included.
According to Superintendent Greg Hartjes, approximately 20 percent of Appleton high school students are not on track to graduate due to truancy issues. In addition to the interventions already in place, Hartjes is asking for the city’s help. Currently, AASD has no enforcement mechanism for Wisconsin’s truancy law, which requires that all students ages 6 through 18 attend school.
Of the 16 members of the public in attendance, 10 addressed the committee. All voiced their concern about the potential negative impact of punitive measures on students. Several emphasized the need to gather information and carefully craft any future policies. Most argued that the root causes of truancy must be addressed to truly solve the problem.
“Einstein Middle School has two school counselors in a ratio of 436 students to one counselor,” said Jax Anderson, a parent of an AASD student and a professional psychotherapist. (The recommended ratio is 250 to 1). “So I ask, how effective are restorative strategies that involve a school counselor if the school counselor is unavailable? How can students engage with staff if staff is inaccessible to them?”
Members of the public shared personal stories about the root causes of truancy, such as mental health, physical conditions, family dysfunction, learning disabilities, and even boredom. Others argued that deep cuts to public funding have left essential student needs unmet and that restoring funding, rather than punishment of the students, is the correct approach.
“I really want to get some of these answers before I'm willing to take this any further than that,” Alder Denise Fenton said. "There are lots of questions without answers at this point. So that's another reason I think, not to take action, other than a hold tonight.”
In addition to Chair Chris Croatt, committee members include Alex Schultz, William Siebers, Chad Doran, and Denise Fenton. The committee will take up the resolution for further discussion at their next meeting, scheduled for May 14.
