RICHLAND PARISH, La. (KNOE 8 News)- A tough truancy program is credited for Richland parish's low drop out rate. Once it was implemented, the parish's drop out rate went from over 13% in 1998 to .8% in 2009.
Truancy and economic development Rev. James Smith credits the success to team work. "We all have one understanding for Richland Parish to be great we all have to participate."
Smith says keeping kids in school and drop out rates low keeps them economically ready. Having a ready work force encourages businesses to locate in the parish, according to him. "We strive on that, we attract a community that attracts businesses." said Smith.
State Senator Francis Thompson worked with Smith using Richland's model to toughen up the state's truancy law. "This is a good preventative medicine for the kids." said Thompson. The law puts the responsibility of school attendance on the parents. But Thompson says not all parishes are enforcing the law. "I would love to see every school system in this state endorse this program and put it into effect."
Delhi Alderman Marvin Hamilton, a Richland school bus driver of 15 years has seen the difference in attendance first hand. "I think it's a great program we need to keep enforcing in the Richland Parish area and I think it's beneficiary to our kids." said Hamilton.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:10 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:10:14 GMT
MOORE, Ok. (KNOE 8 News) - President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster in Oklahoma as the state recovers from a massive tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs
MOORE, Ok. (KNOE 8 News) - President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster in Oklahoma as the state recovers from a massive tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:32 AM EDT2013-05-21 04:32:49 GMT
WATERPROOF, La. (KNOE 8 News) - A school fight lands more than a dozen students in jail back in April. Monday, parents are deciding to challenge a zero-tolerance rule.
WATERPROOF, La. (KNOE 8 News) - A school fight lands more than a dozen students in jail back in April. Monday, parents are deciding to challenge a zero-tolerance rule.
Friday, May 17 2013 12:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 16:09:18 GMT
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:16 AM EDT2013-05-21 12:16:28 GMT
INDEPENDENCE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - State police say a 10-year-old girl died after she was ejected from a car in a crash on La. Highway 1054 northeast of Independence in Tangipahoa Parish.
INDEPENDENCE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - State police say a 10-year-old girl died after she was ejected from a car in a crash on La. Highway 1054 northeast of Independence in Tangipahoa Parish.
