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LOGAN, Utah (AP) - Logan High School's new policy of imposing fines on truant or tardy students is drawing criticism from some parents.
The policy calls for school administrators to issue "truancy tickets" to students who are in halls during class time without authorization. The tickets will run $15 for the first violation, $30 for the second and $45 for the third infraction and beyond.
School administrators sent letters to parents last week informing them of the new policy, which is expected to take effect this week, Logan's Herald Journal reports (http://bit.ly/zdE7Pg ).
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"I find it unfriendly and unproductive," said parent Wendi Hassan. "I think you'll start seeing kids skip school altogether rather than risk getting a ticket for being late."
But Principal Dan Cox defended the policy, saying it's intended to make students accountable for their choices and encourage good attendance. Having too many students in halls during class time is a safety concern, and makes them fall behind academically, he added.
"We've seen a dramatic increase in truancies. It's probably double what it was last year at this time," Cox said. "We don't want to have to write out tickets, but it's kind of to a point where it's become a major issue for us."
Tami Pyfer, who is both a member of the Utah Board of Education and the mother of a Logan High senior, said she is "just a little frustrated" over the policy and wishes administrators had taken a different approach.
She said her son was warned a couple of times last week that he might get a truancy ticket for being out in a hallway.
"I wish the school would look at using positive behavior supports and initiatives instead of punitive ones," Pyfer said.
Cox said money from the fines would be used to recognize students with good attendance.
"We'll probably do different things like a pizza party or something at the end of the quarter," he said.
--- Information from: The Herald Journal, http://www.hjnews.com
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
