MARFA — As announced at the start of the 2024-2025 school year, Marfa ISD is pursuing legal action against parents with students deemed truant by issuing citations through Justice of the Peace Dina Jo Marquez.
Junior High and High School Principal Candy Dominguez said truancy is defined by the 90% attendance rule in Texas, which requires students grades K-12 to attend class at least 90% of the time to receive class credit. The rule applies to both excused and unexcused absences, but not legally exempt absences for religious holidays, documented health appointments and more.
Dominguez said she submitted a total of six truancy cases — grades sixth through 12th — to former School Resource Officer King Merritt for the 2024 fall semester. She and Interim Superintendent Arturo Alferez said they are working to notify parents of the issue before it escalates to the JP’s office.
“We currently do not have any truancy cases pending this spring semester 2025; though I have mailed out and personally delivered attendance warning letters,” Dominguez said.
Marquez said in cases that have moved forward, parents are issued a citation for “parent contributing to non attendance,” and required to appear in court. During court proceedings