APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Appleton is revisiting the possibility of issuing truancy citations in its schools.
The city would issue tickets to families for repeated absences. They say it’s a problem they don’t have enough power to combat on their own.
District officials see it as a final request to students to attend school. The laws would impact about 30 students district-wide.
“The 30 students are either students who did not attend one day of school this year,” said Appleton Area School District Superintendent Greg Hartjes. “Or they perhaps stopped attending school at one point during the year, and we had no further communication with them.”
The district has added support since the last truancy order was struck down in 2019.
Timeline:
- August 2019: Appleton gets rid of truancy law
- March 2025: School district proposes reinstatement of truancy citation
- May 2025: City tables discussion for summer
- July 2025: Appleton Area School District presents need for truancy citation
- August 4, 2025: Appleton will host listening session
- Early fall: Decision expected to be made
After five unexcused absences, the district meets with the student and their family. If that student is a no-show, the district would then consider conducting a home visit. The district also has programs with places like the Boys and Girls Club and the United Way.
The district hopes students could pay off any truancy citations with school attendance or community service. The main purpose of this plan is to get the attention of students who chronically skip school — the so-called last tool in the toolbox.
“Really, it is our hope that through that process, our student starts to change their behaviors, and that ticket would go away,” said Hartjes.
And with extenuating circumstances taken into account.
“We meet with each individual at risk student to understand their unique circumstances,” said Appleton West High School Dean of Students Will Xiong.
There could be a trial period. Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland questioned if more time and consideration is needed.
“There are adults calling the school and begging for help to get to school,” said Van Zeeland. “I’d like to hear from them. I’d like to hear from those parents what they think will reach their children.”
Appleton will hold a community listening session August 4, with a decision likely coming in early fall.
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