New absence policy begins in Ohio schools

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

If Ohio children are absent from class without excuse, their schools will have to notify their parents within the first two hours of the school day under a new law taking effect Friday.

It was enacted in response to the death of 14-year-old Alianna DeFreeze, who was kidnapped and killed in Cleveland in 2017.

Her mother didn’t know she was missing until she didn’t come home from school.

School districts have had varying procedures about how and when they notify parents about a child’s absence.

A registered sex offender was convicted in Alianna’s killing and sentenced to death.

“[Alianna’s Alert] will effect people we have never even met and never will meet but hopefully it will save lives, not hopefully, I know it will save lives, so we’re just grateful for those who supported it,” said Damon DeFreeze, Alianna’s father.