Pennsylvania Woman Jailed After Son’s Truancy

A Pennsylvania woman spent some time in jail after failing to pay fines due to her son's 9 unexcused absences from school.

Jessica Heiser's son missed 9 days of school.  She claims that at least 5 of them were from a vacation that they took to visit family in New York City.  The other days were because he was sick.

My kids get sick. Every child gets sick and you can’t – you never know what’s going to happen so maybe I forgot to write an excuse, but I’m human, you know, I’m a mom and things happen,” Heiser said. “You have three kids – you can’t remember to write each excuse.

Heiser was fined $200 which she did not pay.  She was then ordered to pay the fine in $45 increments.  But she didn't pay that way either.  On January 6th, a sheriff came to her house with a bench warrant and took her to jail.

Who is wrong here?  Because something is definitely not right. First, why should a family have to pay a school to take a vacation?  And is it really necessary to put someone in jail over that?  I mean, kids get sick.  Personally, I'd rather hear that parents aren't sending their sick kids to school if they don't have to.  That will keep them from spreading it to my kids.  Plus, isn't family time (vacations to visit family) important anymore?

On the other hand, there are rules in society.  If she understands that there are fines, then she should pay them or end up paying the consequences right?  If the rule is that you have to fill out an excuse, be the responsible parent and write an excuse.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.  There's a comment box below.  Feel free to fill it up!

Mother Jailed For Son's School Attendance Problems

Photo courtesy of Flickr user foreverdigital