In Marion County, Florida, two parents have been sentenced to jail for failing to ensure their children's school attendance. According to a press release from the Marion School District, Judge Brad King of the county's Truancy Court handed down a six-month sentence to one parent and a 90-day sentence to another for not complying with previous orders to have their school-aged children attend classes.
One case involved a student who missed 120 school days this year, while the other involved a student with 63 absences since the start of the 2024-2025 school year. The Truancy Court serves as a last resort to encourage parents and families in Marion County to make regular school attendance a priority for their children.
The current average daily attendance in Marion County stands at 91%, marking the highest rate in five years, suggesting that the court's actions may be positively impacting attendance rates. Since the school year began, 26 truancy cases have been dismissed due to improved attendance. Eleven families have been released from court oversight because of student compliance, and seven parents have been jailed for defying court orders.
Additionally, three students have been sentenced to time by the Department of Juvenile Justice. Fifty-eight new petitions have been filed, and case numbers have been assigned. Truancy cases involve students of all grades, ranging in age from 6 to 17. Lawmakers introduced a bill to address the rising issue of chronic absenteeism, but it stalled in the Senate. Currently, there are 86 active cases on the Truancy Court's docket.
Florida Truancy Court and Attendance Laws
What is the purpose of the Truancy Court in Marion County?
The Truancy Court in Marion County is a last resort measure used to encourage parents and families to ensure their children attend school regularly, addressing issues of chronic absenteeism.
How effective has the Truancy Court been in improving school attendance?
The current average daily attendance rate in Marion County is at its highest in five years, at 91%, indicating that the Truancy Court's efforts may be positively impacting attendance.
What are the consequences for parents who fail to comply with court orders regarding school attendance?
Parents who fail to comply with court orders can face jail time, as demonstrated by recent cases where parents received sentences of up to six months for not ensuring their children's school attendance.