During a recent Appleton Area School District meeting, community members voiced strong opposition to a new policy allowing school resource officers to issue trespassing tickets to students who skip class. The discussions highlighted concerns about the potential criminalization of youth and the negative impact such measures could have on vulnerable students.

Morgan Gauld, a licensed clinical social worker, emphasized the need for trauma-informed care rather than punitive measures, arguing that criminalizing attendance issues could exacerbate existing mental health challenges among students. Gauld pointed out that many students skip class due to underlying issues such as bullying, anxiety, or family problems, and that punitive actions could further alienate them from the educational environment.

Several speakers, including substitute teacher Sam Masser and community member Mitchell Erickson, echoed these sentiments, stating that ticketing would not address the root causes of absenteeism and could create an unsafe school atmosphere. They warned that such policies could disproportionately affect disadvantaged students, leading to increased dropout rates and further entrenching systemic inequalities.

Chad Endress, a long-time educator, called for a comprehensive approach to improving attendance, suggesting that the board should explore reinstating truancy laws and work permits as effective historical measures. He noted that attendance issues have surged post-COVID and urged the board to consider innovative solutions rather than punitive ones.

Community members also raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the implementation of the ticketing policy. Vanessa Moran highlighted the need for data collection and analysis to ensure equitable treatment of all students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.

The meeting concluded with a call for the school board to reconsider the policy, with many speakers advocating for a shift towards supportive measures that prioritize student well-being over punitive actions. The overwhelming sentiment was clear: the community seeks a compassionate approach to addressing absenteeism, one that recognizes the complex realities faced by students rather than resorting to legal penalties.