Ocala, Fla. (WFLA) – Two Marion County parents were recently jailed for failing to ensure their children were in school.
According to the release, Truancy Court Judge Brad King, who oversees both cases, declared one parent six months behind the bar and another 90 days, as he failed to ensure that the child was showing up in class regularly and timely.
One of the incidents involved students who were absent for 120 days from the start of the school year in August 2024.
Marion County Public Schools said it will be seen in truancy courts as a last-minute effort to hold parents accountable and ensure school-age children are participating in schools.
The average daily attendance in Marion County is currently at 91.28%, the highest in five years. This statistics support the Truance courts of positive impact on attendance rates.
Previously in Marion County, seven parents in this grade alone have been jailed against court orders, and 26 school refusal cases have been dismissed to improve attendance.
The TRUANCE case includes all grades and students aged 6-17.
