Perhaps he has no choice under the law. This school district has had a serious problem with truancy, and I am not sure he had many options.
As for the comment, I suggest YOU tell him. But be careful, he is about 6ft 3 and PACKS! (as do a lot of TEXAS judges)
There should be no such law for a 17 year old. Perhaps the Truancy laws are seriously out of hand as well. I have seen otherwise sensible judges go way overboard in my own area when it comes to such laws. IOW Common Sense takes a vacation. BUT the school could have done her a bigger favor by simply having her Co-op. Meaning work during school hours. I worked a 40 hour week my senior year and no school time.