Monetary penalties for parents could be waived or lowered in exchange for a book report.
Starting later this month, parents of elementary-age children who appear before Justice of the Peace for Precinct One, Place One Judge Joe Benavides will be court-ordered to read a book with their children, collaborate with them on a book report and submit it to Benavides during their follow-up appearance.
"Instead of large fines, we are going to partner up the parent and (their children)," Benavides said. "(The program's purpose is) to make sure that parents at least understand they need to be involved with their kids. The more I get them involved with their children the more they are going to understand why their kids need to be in school."
Students from about half of Corpus Christi Independent School District, as well as West Oso, Tuloso-Midway and Calallen independent school districts, are in the precinct's jurisdiction.
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