HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8437 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8437
October 15, 2002
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBJECT: Fort Worth Municipal Court Attendance Court—
Disbursement of Fine Revenues
The City of Fort Worth collaborates with the Fort Worth Independent School District
(FWISD) for the operation of an Attendance Court to hear attendance (truancy) cases filed
by the District. The Attendance Court held its first court session on April 16, 2001. City
Council renewed this agreement on October 8, 2002 for the current year.
The Attendance Court processed over 5,000 case filings from March 2001 through August
2002. The District has informed Municipal Court that it is anticipating a significant increase
in the number of cases to be filed in this Court due to an increase in District staffing
dedicated to attendance control.
The City and FWISD share the fine revenues as per state law on cases filed for "Parent
Contributing to Truancy." Half of the fine revenue received on these cases is payable to
the District. As of August 2002, $76,415.00 has been received in fine payments.
Or"', Therefore, payment of $38,207.50 will be processed for payment to the District this month.
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Staff of both the City and FWISD are pleased with the results of this collaboration. The
bottom line is to keep kids in school on a daily basis thereby reducing the likelihood of their
dropping out prior to graduation. Additionally, a reduction in truancy assists in the reduction
of juvenile involved crime.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Libby Watson,
Assistant City Manager or Elsa Paniagua, Municipal Court Director.
ly�Gary Jackson
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS