Local students take Arizona attendance law concerns to Crane District Board

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Several local students are speaking out about an Arizona attendance law they believe does not fully reflect the challenges some families face.

Students from Centennial Middle School and Wellton Elementary recently competed in the State Project Citizen Showcase, a civics competition where students research community issues and present policy solutions before a panel of judges.

Centennial students took their concerns beyond the classroom and to the Crane School District Board.

Their teacher, Mrs. Baker, said she encouraged students to use their voices and was proud to watch them confidently speak on an issue impacting their community.

“That’s what we try to promote in our students here at Centennial,” Baker said. “To let them know that you are not just an empty chair, that you have a voice. Use it.”

The students focused their project on Arizona law ARS 15-803 C1, which says students can be considered habitually absent after five unexcused absences, potentially leading to school or legal intervention.

Students say the law does not always account for issues some families face, including transportation and financial challenges.

“We didn’t really think that it was right that a bunch of kids would get in trouble for missing school, even if they have transportation issues or financial issues,” said Centennial student Benjamin Macias.

Another student, David Ortega, said he hopes speaking to district leaders can help create broader change.

“Our hope after we share our concerns today is that we really change the law and we could help not just the community, but the state in general,” Ortega said.