Truancy: City should focus on its own duties

The Clarion-Ledger Editorial, 2/25/8

Jackson Public Schools officials seem happy to accept any help that the city can provide in fighting truancy, but doesn’t the city have enough issues on its plate?

Mayor Frank Melton wants to convert the Safe Neighborhood/Youth Development Division into a truancy office to help JPS. He has appointed Goldia Revies, director of constituent services and public information, to oversee his program. Revies said the city has transferred Gregory Riley from the Parks and Recreation Division to manage it.

City staffers are expected to patrol neighborhoods and develop relationships with youth not attending school. Then, the staff will determine a course of action.