Youth Court Judge Seeks Disciplinary Options

Youth Court Judge Seeks Disciplinary Options

By David Howell

Editor

WATER VALLEY – A request by the county’s Youth Court Judge Daniel Martin to implement a work program at the school district for youth offenders was met with favor by school officials. Speaking at the Sept. 19 school board meeting, Martin said the work program would be an avenue to order the offenders to perform community service on the school grounds, work that could include cleaning up the football stadium after each home game.  

Martin explained the program would be used for first and second offense offenders appearing in his court and would provide another avenue to address disciplinary problems in a manner that would help the offenders “better appreciate their actions.” The judge explained current disciplinary options include counseling and home monitoring. Only offenders already enrolled in the school district would participate in the program, which Martin described as community service.

“I am not talking about serious offenders,” Martin explained, citing a repetitive drug user as an example of a serious offense. “We routinely only see two or three children that are categorized as delinquent every month, so that is a good thing,” Martin also told school officials.

Martin said the children would be ordered to complete a set amount of hours in the program.

“The whole point of youth court is not necessarily punishment, but some type of rehabilitation… your actions affect others so your rehabilitation should effect others,” Martin explained.

Board President Taylor Trusty embraced the idea, citing cleaning up after a football game as a good option. Other work identified that included minor janitorial work at the schools. 

Following input from the board, Superintendent Dr. Michael McInnis requested Martin attend the next administrative staff meeting to continue discussion on the matter.

“I really look forward to learning more about this, I am excited,” McInnis added.

Martin was appointed in June as the county’s Family Master and Youth Court Judge by Chancery Judge Percy Lynchard, who serves as Senior Chancellor for the Third Chancery District that includes Yalobusha County.

Other business discussed at the meeting.

• Teachers and students were recognized at the meeting (see pictures, Page 13.) Also recognized were DES grandparents Willie and Kathy Pullen.

“They are very dedicated to the Water Valley Community,” school trustee Pierce Epes said about the recognition. “They have the happiest hearts ever and work diligently to help DES with school improvements.

Epes added that parent and community support is vital to the school.

• Approved the claims docket after business manager Randy Goodwin provided a brief overview of the expenditures.