ARLINGTON - Arlington Independent School District is teaming with local police and Crime Stoppers to keep students from cutting classes -- $40 at a time.
Arlington police and Crime Stoppers are rolling out a new program designed to keep students in school, called "You earn, they learn. Stop truancy."
Arlington ISD boasts a 95 percent attendance rate. Those who are truant now have a bounty on their heads. Crime Stoppers will pay $40 for reporting them.
"We feel like this is an opportunity for the community to come together," said AISD assistant superintendent Jimmy Walker.
Police and Crime Stoppers brought the idea to the district. Walker said it shouldn't create friction among students who turn in other students.
"No, they'll be kept anonymous," Walker said.
Arlington students have been calling crime stoppers for years to report thieves or vandals, according to Walker. He pointed out that Crime Stoppers, and not the district, is paying for the program.
Mansfield ISD also will participate.
Officials say that in order to be considered truant, students must miss 3 or more days, otherwise it's just skipping class. Crime stoppers will pay $20 for successfully reporting class skippers.
Arlington Police officer Curtis Petties said the ultimate goal is to help the truant kids who really need help.
"What's the reason why the kid is truant?" Petties said. "There may be a number of reasons. Kids may be truant because they don't have any food at home. They may be truant because they don't have any nice clothing to wear at school."
The number for the Arlington Crime Stoppers is 817-469-TIPS (8477).
E-mail jdouglas@wfaa.com and sstoler@wfaa.com
