MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) — Marion County Public Schools says that two local parents are behind bars this week after failing to make sure their children attended school, a move Judge Brad King says is a last resort, but a necessary one.

Both parents were sentenced in Marion County Truancy Court after ignoring previous court orders. One received a six-month jail sentence; the other, 90 days. They are both expected to appear in court again Friday morning, May 23, at 9 a.m.

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One child missed 120 days of school this year. Another has been absent 63 days since August 2024. Marion County officials say these cases reflect the importance of taking school attendance seriously and show what can happen when court orders are ignored.

What is Truancy Court?

Truancy Court is the final step in the district’s effort to get students back in class. It’s part of a broader push to boost attendance across all Marion County Public Schools for students ages 6 to 17.

The district’s average daily attendance rate is now 91.28%, which school officials say is the highest in five years. Officials credit Truancy Court for helping families improve.

This school year in Marion County:

  • 26 truancy cases were dismissed after improved attendance
  • 11 families were released from court until May
  • 7 parents have been jailed for ignoring court orders
  • 3 students were sent to the Department of Juvenile Justice
  • 7 students were court-ordered to the Arnette House for 35 days
  • 58 new truancy cases were filed
  • 86 cases are currently active

The next round of truancy cases will be heard Friday, May 23, at 9 a.m. in Judge King’s courtroom in Ocala.

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