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SALT LAKE CITY -- As East High School students scurry back to class after lunch, they have a new reason to hurry. If they are late, they could be hit with a citation that means either 30 minutes detention after school or a $5 fee.
Paul Sagers, principal of East High in Salt Lake City, says it's working.
"There was no real consequence for students walking in a minute late or whatever. Now they are busting their hump to get there," he said.
Sagers says the citations have meant a 100 percent improvement in truancies compared to last year. He says the teachers, PTA and community council all support it, and the teachers like that they are given feedback about the cited students.
Some students have grumbled about it, but they are taking it seriously.
"I think it's really difficult because they shortened the time we have between classes to get to classes, so you are running," said sophomore Delaney Clarson.
Sophomore Patrick Cunningham says that shortened time equals about four minutes. "We get to one wing to another from the basement to the top floor," he said.
These students say they haven't been late yet, but they have been close.
Sagers says enforcing the penalties is up to the teacher, because they recognize some students have excuses to be late. Students can appeal, and they have five days to do the detention if that's what they choose.
"I'd pay five bucks," said Cunningham.
"I'd go to detention. It's not worth paying money for," said Clarson.
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
