Cape Girardeau County prosecutor charges two more parents with educational neglect

Two more parents face jail time and fines under the Cape Girardeau School District's tougher attendance policy.

The Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has charged Yvonne Rachelle Garza, 33, of 439 S. Sprigg St., Apt. 16C, with educational neglect for violating the compulsory school attendance law, a Class C misdemeanor. Her arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday in Cape Girardeau County court.

Steven D. Clark, 26, also has been charged with two counts of educational neglect, with an arraignment scheduled for 9 a.m. March 17.

Garza's juvenile daughter had 57 total unexcused absences from Cape Girardeau Central High School between the beginning of the school year and Jan. 28, according to the probable-cause statement. The school had sent advisory letters following at least three and five unexcused absences, and the final warning letter from the prosecuting attorney's office was delivered to Garza on Jan. 21.

Clark's 9-year-old child, enrolled at Jefferson Elementary School, missed 25 days of school between Nov. 3 and Feb. 8, according to the probable-cause statement. His 8-year-old child, also enrolled at Jefferson, missed 24 days of school over the same period, court documents state. Again, the school sent warning letters advising Clark that his children had missed too many days of school, and he was served a final warning letter advising he could face prosecution Jan. 25, according to the probable-cause statement.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of 15 days in jail, a $300 fine and the possibility of probation of up to two years.

At least six parents have been charged with educational neglect since the district enacted its tougher attendance policy last semester. The policy makes 10 unexcused absences an actionable offense.

The first parent charged, Susan G. Hager, 1413 William St., pleaded guilty in early February. Her sentencing was scheduled for Feb. 28, but appears to have been pushed back to April 4, according to online records.

Laura Hogeland, 2825 Whitener St., Apt. C4, whose daughter had 18 unexcused absences, paid a $100 fine last month, court records state.

Daniel Pieper, 408 S. Hanover St., will be arraigned at 9 a.m. Thursday. He was charged after his child had 11 unexcused absences through Jan. 26.

Nicole L. Alvarez, 319 N. Louisiana Ave., was charged after her son had 17 unexcused absences. Court information regarding the case was not available online.

Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle and school administrators say the policy and the partnership are working to keep students in school.

mkittle@semissourian.com

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