The Italy School Board of Trustees approved a recommendation from Carolyn Maevers, Stafford Elementary Principal, regarding student tardiness at its monthly meeting held Monday evening.

Currently, Stafford students who are tardy must come to school early or spend their lunch period in detention. She told the board that children should not be penalized because parents do not get them to school on time.

“The responsibility needs to be put back on the parents,” she explained. “After the third tardy, the parent will get a phone call.”

Instead of penalizing the student, the board approved Maevers sending out a warning letter to the parents after the third violation, along with a telephone call. A second letter will be sent following the sixth violation. This letter will warn of possible truancy violations. After nine violations, the district will file truancy charges with the justice of the peace.

Board member Curtis Riddle said he thought this was a good idea that might reduce tardiness even further next year and made the motion to approve the change to the Stafford Student Handbook.

Paul Cockerham seconded the motion, which passed with one no vote from Tommy Morrison.

Morrison said he did not like idle threats and did not want to “surprise” parents with this new proposal. He suggested Maevers send out the letter explaining to parents what she proposed and see what type of parental response the district receives.

Jimmie Malone, superintendent, said things were not going to get any better if left as is.

The first bell rings at 7:55 a.m. School begins at 8:05 a.m.

“The children should not be penalized for something beyond their control,” Maevers concluded.

Comments

by Cherilyn Davis on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 9:47 a.m.

What a great concept…Carolyn Maevers has always been a “Gidder Done Kind Of Girl .” Her essence as a educator..rings loud and clear….What a well rounded individual she is…we are lucky to have a woman of this quality heading up Stafford . Two Thumbs Up for the Board Members approving this as well. This is proof…Putting the children first