CMS courts tackle truancy.

Byline: By Peter Smolowitz

Feb. 20--She missed one out of every four days last school year before being ordered to repeat sixth-grade.

Things got worse. This year, she missed closer to one out of two.

Then came her day in truancy court. Now, there's hope.

Run by a retired district judge, the court's goal is to boost parent support critical to a child's and a school's success.

"The kids are salvageable, if we get the parents to the table," says Carolyn Gaither of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, who helps oversee the program.

Truancy courts can be found in other area districts, including Lancaster, S.C., and Hickory. Cabarrus wants one next year.

Seven CMS schools had the courts this fall. Another debuts next month. Superintendent Peter Gorman's 100-day plan calls for more.

Sessions are held at the schools, and it's not a real court. Participation is voluntary. But the judges warn parents that if they don't join and their children's attendance remains poor, the parents will be prosecuted.

Research shows chronically truant students are more likely to get suspended, drop out,…