Thibodaux, Louisiana – Chief Justice John Weimer of the Louisiana Supreme Court advocates for improved student attendance, drawing from personal experiences that taught him the value of education. Raised as the oldest of five children in a single-parent home, Weimer initially underestimated the importance of school. His father’s health struggles forced the family into financial hardship, prompting Weimer to reconsider his previously cavalier attitude toward education.
A pivotal moment in Weimer’s life came when a high school English teacher recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue higher education. This support led him to enroll at Nicholls State University, and he later graduated from Louisiana State University Law School. Weimer’s judicial career began on the 17th Judicial District Court in Lafourche Parish, and he was elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2001, becoming chief justice in 2021.
Reflecting on his own journey, Weimer has emerged as a vocal supporter of initiatives aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism among students. Nearly one in four Louisiana students were reported as chronically absent during the 2023-24 school year, with increasing rates raising alarm among educators and officials. In response, Weimer has proposed gathering various stakeholders to address this issue, planning a summit on September 8 in Alexandria to discuss underlying factors contributing to absenteeism and explore legislative solutions.
At the summit, the chief justice hopes to convene educators, district attorneys, and judges, all of whom play critical roles in addressing student attendance. He emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to prevent students from falling through the cracks and facing consequences that may lead them into the courtroom.
Weimer questions the community’s current inaction regarding increasing absenteeism, urging stakeholders to consider whether they should continue to watch these trends worsen or take decisive action to initiate change. “Do we do nothing and watch these numbers grow at great expense to society, or do we intercede and do something?” he has asked during discussions on the issue.
Focusing on collaborative efforts, Weimer highlights the importance of local agencies, including district attorneys and family services, in tackling absenteeism. He noted that some districts have effectively engaged parents alongside schools to discuss their children’s attendance. Citing a case where a student missed school due to lack of shoes, Weimer stresses that even basic assistance can significantly impact attendance.
Participants at the summit will include educators, district judges, and public defenders, among others. Weimer’s vision extends beyond mere discussions; he aims to compile effective practices from various communities across the state to share valuable insights and solutions. “We don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” he added, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions based on local circumstances.
Challenging the stigma surrounding absenteeism, Weimer advocates for early intervention before students engage in behavior leading to expulsion. He believes that proactive measures can help students remain connected to their education. Encouraging young people facing similar circumstances to his own, Weimer advises them to seize educational opportunities and actively engage with teachers and administrators.
By sharing his story, he hopes to inspire students to overcome obstacles and achieve their academic goals, underlining that education is the key to a successful future.
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