Manhattan Beach Studies Truancy Law
Manhattan Beach hopes to join a number of South Bay cities by passing a truancy ordinance that allows police to fine students who cut class $500.
Under the proposed ordinance, valid reasons for being off campus include a written excuse from a parent, a medical appointment or being with a parent or guardian. First-time offenders may be let off the hook if the student has no prior unexcused absences and agrees to perform 10 hours of community service.
“Truancy is not a problem right now, but we don’t want to wait for a problem to pass an ordinance like this,” Police Chief Ted Mertens said. “We’re more worried that if other districts have truancy laws and we don’t, kids might decide to frequent the beach city since it’s a popular place.”
South Bay cities that have passed truancy laws include Redondo Beach, Gardena, Torrance and Hawthorne.
The council will vote on whether to adopt the ordinance June 4.
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