Chatham County mother challenges truancy charge

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Chatham County mother is challenging a parental truancy charge after she said her son missed school because of health and safety concerns.

A parent can be charged with truancy if their child misses too many days of school without an excuse. The charge holds the parent legally responsible for making sure their child attends class.

“I represent my son, I’m his advocate. I should not have to be experiencing this or my son should not be experiencing this,” Rakysha Williams said.

Rakysha Williams said her son missed several days at a Savannah middle school over safety concerns. Her son has an Individualized Education Program, known as an IEP, which is a written plan that gives extra support to students with disabilities.

Williams provided WTOC documents that she said show school staff sometimes asked her to pick her son up early.

Williams said an April fight at school was the latest in a series of incidents involving her son, and he faced possible expulsion. She said the principal told her to withdraw him instead and re-enroll him the next school year.

Williams said she later learned the school listed his withdrawal as a lack of attendance. A truancy case followed. She said that is when she compared the school’s dates with her own records.

“When I went into the dates that I was provided, it wasn’t making sense. So I decided to write up my own exhibit and my documentation, which showed them that they made a mistake. So I’m receiving apologies and everyone fixed the situation,” Williams said.

Williams acknowledged her son missed numerous days of school, though she disputes how some of those absences were recorded.

District response

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is aware of the matter involving student attendance and subsequent legal proceedings. The district follows all state-mandated protocols related to compulsory attendance, as well as Board Policy JBA: Compulsory Attendance Ages, and any specific requirements pertaining to students with IEPs. SCCPSS is obligated to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and Board policy regarding student attendance. When attendance concerns reach thresholds established by law, districts are required to take specific actions.

Our top priority is maintaining a secure learning environment while strictly adhering to state and federal educational guidelines. We remain dedicated to working transparently with our families and community partners to support the academic and personal success of every student.

Because this matter involves a student record protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and ongoing legal proceedings, the district cannot comment on the specifics of the case.