CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced Wednesday the launch of the Truancy Diversion Initiative, which is part of his juvenile justice reform statewide.
The governor introduced the proposal as part of his 2015 State of the State address in January and signed it into law in April.
Applications are now available for county boards of education to apply for funding for a truancy diversion specialist to serve local students through a partnership with the state Department of Education.
The specialists will work with teachers and staff, school districts, and law enforcement officials to redirect at-risk youth toward school attendance and engagement.
State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Martirano approved of the bill.
“Regular student attendance is critical to success in the classroom and improving the graduation rate,” Martirano said. “I commend Governor Tomblin’s leadership on Senate Bill 393, which will help to reduce truancy in our schools and reduce suspension and juvenile incarceration rates, ultimately ensuring a world-class education for all students.”