Sen. Nikya Harris Dodd (D-Milwaukee)
Legislation being considered at the state Capitol would make it easier, and cheaper, to let parents know if their child is frequently missing school.
Under current state law, school districts are required to notify parents about habitual truancy using a certified letter. The method requires a signature for delivery, and state Senator Nikya Harris Dodd (D-Milwaukee) said that can be difficult for parents who are working multiple jobs or have unreliable transportation to get to a post office. As a result, Dodd told a legislative committee last week that many parents never get the message that their child is habitually truant.
The Milwaukee Democrat is sponsoring a bill that would allow schools to notify parents through regular First Class mail, along with email. She said that would make it easier for parents to become aware of attendance issues. It could also result in savings for school districts. Sending a certified letter cost $6.48, while a First Class stamp is just $0.49.
A legislative committee is considering the bill.