Florida Mom Arrested for Allowing Children to Miss Months of School – 96 Unexcused Absences
A Florida mom has been arrested for allegedly allowing her two children to miss months of school over the past three years. Shaunda Green, 37, was taken into custody after failing to appear in court for a traffic violation. While in jail, she was served with a months-old truancy case and an unrelated battery case.
According to court records, Green’s two children, who attended Endeavour Elementary School in Cocoa, had a significant number of absences during the 2022-2023 school year. One child had 48 unexcused absences the previous year, while the other had a shocking 96 unexcused absences during the 2020-2021 school year.
During a recent court appearance, Green claimed she was unaware of the charges against her. The state attorney’s office, responsible for reviewing potential criminal violations, stated that cases like Green’s are not common but are referred for evaluation when they meet certain criteria.
Brevard Public Schools, where Green’s children were enrolled, stated that criminal prosecution is typically considered a last resort. The school system employs various strategies and tactics to communicate with families when a child demonstrates difficulty attending school regularly. These measures include referral to a non-criminal truancy court, with 79 such referrals made last year.
Russ Bruhn, the chief strategic communications officer for BPS Government & Community Relations, emphasized the importance of supporting students and their families in overcoming any hurdles that may contribute to chronic absences. He acknowledged that everyone faces life situations that can impact regular school attendance and affirmed the school system’s commitment to providing assistance in each case.
While this particular case raises concerns about the significant number of unexcused absences, it is essential to approach it from multiple perspectives. Striking a balance between accountability for parents’ role in ensuring their children’s education and understanding the complexities of individual circumstances is crucial.
As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of regular school attendance for a child’s academic and social development. It also highlights the need for effective communication and support systems to address underlying issues that may contribute to chronic absences. Brevard Public Schools, the state attorney’s office, and the community at large must work together to find proactive solutions that prioritize the well-being and educational success of all students.
