LAFAYETTE PARISH, La. (KLFY) — The Lafayette parish school system superintendent said he’s declaring war on truancy— students who skip school.  

Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr., with great conviction, informed the council that addressing truancy is just one of several changes he will implement in the upcoming school year. 

“I’m going to tell you and you’re going to hear it from me, that there’s going to be a war on truancy this year. We have too many kids on the streets. We have two kids who are doing things, and they need to be in our schools,” Touchet stated.

The superintendent conveyed a powerful message to the council: LPSS staff and administration are committed to being intentional in their actions moving forward.

“Get ready. I’m going to be in the news again, but it’s going to be about us having to be very aggressive with people who are not sending their kids to school,” Touchet added.

Mayor President Monique Blanco Boulet reassured the superintendent that all hands are on deck, including the criminal justice coordinating committee, recently re-established by Boulet and Sheriff Garber.

“I want to pledge in support of LCG as well as the police department, as well as the other agencies at the table. So, thank you. Thank you,” Boulet explained.

Councilman Boudreaux offered to help find ways to tackle the issue of students skipping school.

“If you need any assistance, let me know. I will be more than happy to participate,” Boudreaux noted.

The superintendent said in the upcoming school year, there will be more emphasis on relationship building with teachers and administrators for the students than ever before.  

Latest news