District Eyes Fine For Parents With Truant Kids

NEWBERG, Ore. -- The Newberg School District is considering charging parents a hefty fine if their children repeatedly skip school, KPTV-TV in Portland reported.

If approved, the proposal would allow district officials to hand down a $242 fine -- issued by the Newberg-Dundee Police Department -- to parents whose children skip out on class.

School district officials said the plan will hold parents responsible for their students.

Carrie Odam, a Newberg parent, strongly opposes the district's effort.

"It's ridiculous. I think the student should be held responsible," Odam said.

According to the school board agenda, the new truancy plan requires school officials to take five steps before they reach the stage where a citation is issued. Those steps include sending letters home to parents and holding a conference with the student and parent.

Jared Warren also objects to the district's reasoning. He worries a high school student will show up for class in the morning, leave for lunch and not return.

"Parents can't watch their kids all day," he said.

Newberg school administrators said districts with similar policies have seen truancy-related problems drop.

Newberg parent Melissa Gutierrez said the idea isn't a new one. She attended a school district that also charged parents for truancy.

"Kids aren't going to be able to get away with what they are," Gutierrez said. "It will make parents crack down on their kids."

School district officials said they're ready to adopt the new proposal but the school board must review it at a meeting next week.