Over 25% of the students in the Tulsa Public Schools are chronically absent. That is defined as missing 10 or more days per semester. The Tulsa City Council is looking at putting some teeth in truancy regulations.
A proposal is being considered that could mean fines and even jail time for parents of kids skipping school. However, Tulsa City Councilor Karen Gilbert says that is not the intent of the ordinance. She wants to work with the families.
The goal is to make sure parents are aware students are cutting class. She feels working with the parents is the best way to improve Tulsa’s graduation rate.
Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan likes the idea. With a chuckle, he says "kids are sneaky." He is not sure parents are always aware when a student skips school.