PROVO, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Parents could be fined if their kids don't comply with a proposed daytime curfew in Provo.
School leaders say they need more power to keep kids in school because handing out failing grades is not enough to motivate a growing number of students.
Provo school district leaders say they're making this suggestion because the number of students skipping school is growing.
The district reports 109 students missed more than 20 days in the 2008-2009 school year. The figure almost doubled the following year, but school Provo School District spokesman Greg Hudnall says there is more to this problem.
"We have students that are recruiting for gangs," said Hudnall.
A popular time for gangs to recruit is during school. "We want to keep the problem small and nip it in the bud," said Provo City spokesperson Helen Anderson.
"I'm just not convinced that it's constitutional," said Michelle Curtiss. She is against a proposed daytime curfew in Provo. It would give police the right to question people six to 18-years-old if they are in the community and off school property during school hours.
"If you happen to look younger than 18 you're still going to have to carry your ID and prove to the police you're old enough to be out in the daytime in the public," said Curtiss.
Some parents say a daytime curfew is too much regulation for some students. They are asking for example about students who are homeschooled or students who attend charter schools.
ABC 4 took action and brought these concerns to Provo City leaders. We were told police will call the school and the school would clear the student or tell police to bring the student back to class.
A guilty student could be fined, but there's a chance to work it off. "Everyday that they have perfect attendance she (a judge) drops a percentage of that fine. Every class that they pass, the fine goes down," said Hudnall.
Some parents say to proposed curfew is too restrictive. "If it passes, getting it undone will be nearly impossible," said Curtiss.
The proposed ordinance does not list a fine amount.
The City Council is scheduled to hold a public meeting about the curfew March 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Parents who oppose the plan will protest the proposed curfew from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 351 West Center Street in Provo March 1.
