From Delane Goggans
Chief Juvenile Probation Officer
The Stay in the Game initiative is an ambitious but necessary effort to improve school attendance and prevent crime, addiction, and poverty. For Judge Ben Baxley of Elmore County’s Juvenile Court, now beginning a second year of service, the message is clear: education and consistent school attendance are keys to building stronger futures.
A year ago, truancy in Elmore County reached epidemic levels. On any given day, more than 20 percent of the county’s children were absent from school, That’s one in five students. That number was 25 percent higher than the state average. Immediate action was necessary, and the Court responded.
Through decisive efforts, Elmore County has seen monumental improvements in school attendance. Accountability measures were implemented for parents, children, and educators, ensuring that attendance is monitored and enforced. The number of truancy court days was doubled, and early intervention efforts were accelerated. Nearly 2,000 families were engaged during the 2024–2025 school year. In some cases, parents faced jail time. As a result, absenteeism has been reduced by nearly 50 percent.
With more children in the classroom, student achievement is on the rise. School reading and math scores have improved, and ACT scores are trending upward. Despite these successes, leaders emphasize that more work remains to be done. Enforcement alone is not the solution. Prevention is equally vital.
Prevention is the central focus of the Stay in the Game initiative. The Juvenile Court and its partners have launched a countywide campaign to raise awareness about the consequences of truancy. The campaign features billboards at strategic locations throughout the county. Pro-attendance signage has been placed at all public schools, and radio spots are airing on area broadcasts. Additionally, the Elmore County Commission and the Elmore County Board of Education have issued proclamations declaring September as Stay in the Game Month. The Millbrook, Wetumpka, and Tallassee chambers of commerce have included Stay in the Game messaging in their social media postings. These partners along with Elmore County Family Resource Center, the District Attorney’s Office, other community organizations, and families are committed to securing the futures of our youth.
Judge Baxley stated, “We have made tremendous progress in addressing truancy, but now is not the time to rest on our success. By focusing on prevention and community awareness, we can continue building stronger futures for our children and for Elmore County.”
