Legislation holds parents, students accountable
Clarksville, TN – Two bills sponsored by State Senator Tim Barnes and Representative Phillip Johnson that tighten school attendance requirements and enforcement initiatives have passed through the state legislature and will go to Governor Bill Haslam for his signature.
“In order to raise test scores and increase performance in our schools, students have to be in class first,” Johnson said. “This legislation sends the message that education is a partnership between schools and families, and both sides have responsibilities.”
Senate Bill 413 would create a charge of “educational neglect” for the parent or guardian of a truant student, punishable by a $50.00 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail. Senate Bill 414 would enable principals to require students in violation of attendance rules to attend after-school, remedial and summer classes.
Barnes and Johnson brought both bills on behalf of former Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Tim Webb, who now serves as Director of Schools for the Cheatham County School System. Webb has worked to encourage accountability measures that ensure that students and parents both work toward greater results in the classroom.
“Dr. Webb continues to be a leader in statewide education reform, and we are fortunate to have him in Cheatham County,” Barnes said. “These new measures are a testament to his ongoing commitment to not only our children, but every student in Tennessee.”
