GREENTOWN, Ind. — Indiana lawmakers want to make sure every student is at school every day.
A state law signed in March now requires it for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
13News asked school leaders in Indianapolis and around the state about the changes.
"We want them here. They belong here," said Randy Maurer, principal of Eastern Howard Elementary School.
As an educator, Maurer has had to have that tough conversation with parents.
"We just try to offer the solutions to help get them to school on time. Also, just to help the parent be responsible in getting the student there, whether it's transportation-related, illness-related, whatever it is, we just offer as much support as we can," Maurer said.
Under the law signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb, once a student has reached five unexcused absences, the school can initiate a meeting with parents to talk about getting them in the school. If it keeps happening, the school can bring in law enforcement and child services.
"Sometimes, the parents are a little standoffish about it, just because you are calling them out on it. That happens. But we're here to educate the kids," Maurer said.
The policy at Eastern Howard Elementary School is the same as the state law.
"Note from a doctor, they might have a military reason, like father or mother is either leaving being deployed or they're coming home. That could be a reason why," Maurer said. "Also could be family emergency situation."
Maurer said school is a safe place for students.
"That's not always going to happen in a homeschool situation or in an online situation. There's just so many aspects that's going to improve the child. Being at school is important," Maurer said.
The law also isn't changing what the Washington Township district is already doing.
"We get the premise behind this new legislation. We also understand this is an attempt to hold schools and families more accountable to attendance. Fortunately for Washington Township schools, we've already been in alignment with a lot of this legislation in our approaches and our practices for our families," said Dr. Sean Taylor, Associate Superintendent of Washington Township Schools.
Washington Township already monitors attendance regularly. Social workers reach out to families who are struggling and build a plan.
Now, a community organization in Indianapolis is pitching in by providing resources to help prevent these unexcused absences.
The nonprofit organization Center for Leadership Development has been working with parents and students for months leading up to the new law.
They have been providing programs and workshops after school and on weekends to deal with truancy. Organizers said they're re-enforcing the importance of attending school regularly.
"Truancy is definitely a concern for us here at CLD because when students are not in school, students are not learning, and if students are not learning, they're not being provided the opportunity to live their highest and fullest potential," said Mia Black, assistant director of the Center for Leadership Development.
Organizers said they're utilizing guidance counselors to assist families on the importance of attending school regularly.
"We have been very intentional in making sure that we are providing programs and services in the evening times throughout the weekend, different efforts to making sure that we are reinforcing not only to our students but also to our parents the impact of what it is for our kids to stay in school, remain in school and be consistent," Black said.
According to the new state law, habitual student truancy could result in a misdemeanor or a felony charge for parents.