New state panel to look at truancy policies in schools

(Harrisburg) — A new state panel is forming to study truancy in schools.

School districts across the state may handle it in different ways and charter schools may also have a variety of disciplinary policies related to students who skip out on class.

A recent state House resolution orders a study of the issue that will also look at how kids in foster care fare in school.

Republican Representative Kerry Benninghoff of Mifflin County points to the unanimous vote by the House as proof the issue goes beyond politics…

“If you look at the co-sponsorships, it’s done in a bipartisan manner, any one of you probably could have introduced the same resolution because I suspect the issue is of concern to your children youth workers, your courts, foster care individuals, and everyone else,” he says.

The Joint State Government Commission will form an advisory group that will include the Department of Education, advocacy groups, district attorneys, and county children and youth agencies.

A report on its findings is due by October 2015.