The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-08-26

state of Kansas is hereby required, be-
fore receiving each months salary, TO
make a report to the county superln-
Sendent of public Instruction. or to the
superintendent of the. city in which he
may be employed, showing the names
and addresses of all pupils who have
been truant or habitually absent from
school during the previous month, and
stating reasons for such truancy or hab-
itual absence in each case, if known.
All such cases of truancy so reported
shall be brought to the notice of the
proper truant officer by the county sup
erintendent of public instruction or by
the superintendent of the city by which
he is employed.
Sec. 6. In order that the provisions of
this act may be more definitely enforced,
it is hereby provided that the enumera
tors of school children, in taking their
annual school census, shall ascertain a nd
record the name. place and date OF
birth of every child enumerated and
the parent. guardian or persons having
charge or control of such child shall
subscribe and take oath or affirmation
that such record is true The enumera
tor is hereby empowered to administer
such oath of affirmation: and any par
ent guardian or person having charge
or control of any child who shall refuse
to take such oath or affirmation shall
be adjudged guilty of misdemeanor, and
upon conviction thereof shall be fined
in any sum not less than 81 nor more
than $40"
In commenting on the law in bulle-
tin sent out to school superintendent,
Superintendent Dayhcff says:
The popularity, success and general
efficiency of this law depends directly
upon good judgment in it's enforcement.
An unreasonable and arrogant interpre-
tation of the law will lessen its efticlen-
cy by rendering it unpopular, While a
sensible and reasonable Interpretation
and enforcement will render the law
popular and efficient.
County and city superintendent
should consider carefully each case OF
truancy, or habitual absence in their
respective districts, and then advise the
truant officer as to the best course of
action. In many instances the superin-
tendent will be able to adjust the case
without friction and without any ex-
pense whatever. Do not turn these mat
ters over Unfortunately to your
truant officer, as you neglect an import
ant duty in so doing. Earnestly urge
your teachers to be wise in regard to
the law. No teacher who exercises dis
erection will ever use. the existence of
this law as a threat to pupils of his
school. Let good sense prevail, that this
good law may be a benefit.
"Truant officers must be appointed,
but they are paid for only such time as
they work. In districts where there is
no truancy or habitual absence, under
lIlS law luc SCnOOl dUlliOilllCS z iOl
required to give the truant officer any
work to do; hence, the expense to such
district will be nothing. In the appoint
ment of truant officers, county suDerin-
tendents and boards of education are
earnestly urged to exercise the greatest
care that proper persons NAV be secured
for this important duty. Do not ap-
point two truant officers when one can
do the work. Do not select a person as
truant officer who will not exercise dis
in the Pfinn nf the h11Si-
ness. Do not assign duties for the
truant officer unless the work comes
under the provision and purposes of this
law"