Truants now carrying GPS devices

BRYAN, Texas (CNN) - "The choices that you have made by being tardy or not attending school comes consequences, and that's why you're here," said Tommy Munoz, Brazos County Justice of the Peace.

Poor choices have landed 22 Bryan High School skippers and their parents in Judge Munoz's courtroom. Many of the students the judge will see have more than 25 absences this school year.

"Just didn't keep up with his end of the bargain, he did some of the tutorials and then didn't finish them and began to have tardies and absences again," said Ruth Waller, Bryan High School assistant principal and truancy officer. Since their future of graduating high school is on the line, Judge Munoz is not taking any chance. He is using a new way to keep students on track.

"You will be placed on electronic monitoring until your next court date to review your attendance," said Judge Munoz.

Five times a day some truants will have to use a GPS. They will be required to key in a code to prove they  are where they are supposed to be. But, it is not just a tracking device. Counseling also comes with it. Three to five times a week, they will get a call from a counselor coach to talk about their school day and to set positive goals.

One 15-year-old Bryan High School sophomore was not required to get a GPS tracking device, but admits he has made some poor decisions.

"I just didn't get up," said the student. "And sometimes, I skipped too."

But, he promises to do better and never to skip again.

Judge Munoz said he is trying to make sure all the truants get up out of bed and back in the place that will have a positive impact on their future and he is hoping they will learn that in truancy court.

Is this intended to embarrass you," asks Judge Munoz. "Yes it is. Because the law says they need to be in school and if they don't want to get up, well we're gonna get them there."

In addition to carrying a GPS, students or their parents must pay a fine. The judge can keep truants from getting their driver's license.