Flipping the script: Innovative truancy effort keyed to prevention, not punishment

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The Journal Gazette on September 28, 2014 by Fred McKissack

He looks like he works there. He’s got an office at New Haven High School with computer, desks, chairs and books. He’s got an athletic build but, with his measured, friendly tone, he reminds one of a thoughtful guidance counselor rather than an employee of the Allen County Juvenile Court.

Yet, for 25 New Haven freshmen, Paul Federspiel is literally a guide at the crossroads of their lives. They’ve been identified as students who, due to chronic truancy, are on the cusp of walking down the path toward Federspiel’s boss, Allen County Superior Court Judge Daniel Heath.