Salina commissioner questions detention approach

SALINA, Kan. (AP) – A Saline County commissioner says school districts are keeping juveniles out of detention until they’ve been counted as students so districts can account for them to get state funds.

Commissioner John Price accused the Salina School District and other districts of keeping the students until “count day,” which is the day school districts report to the state their enrollment. That figure’s used to calculate the amount of money districts receive in state aid.

The Salina Journal reports the average number of Saline County juveniles at a regional juvenile detention center went from about a half dozen a day in August and September to 12 “after count day,” Sept. 20.

Bill Hall, Salina schools superintendent, denies Price’s claim and says the districts are focused on keeping kids in school.