The district believes that traditional, in-person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students. Students who are present in school and engaged active learners take great ownership over their educational outcomes. For this reason, it is the priority of the district to foster regular student attendance throughout the school year and reduce barriers to regular attendance for students in the district.
CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM/ABSENCES means any absence from school for more than 10% of the days in the academic term, quarter/semester (block schedule format) established by the district.
TRUANT/TRUANCY means a child of compulsory attendance age who is absent from school for any reason for at least 20% of the days in the academic term, quarter/semester (block schedule format) established by the district. Truancy does not apply to the following students who:
- Have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma;
- Are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;
- Are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
- Are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;
- Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that affects the child's attendance;
- Have a plan under Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. §794) that affects the child's attendance;
- Are attending a private college preparatory school accredited or probationally accredited;
- Are excused under Iowa Code §299.22; and
- Are exempt under Iowa Code §299.24.
Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion. It is within the discretion of the principal to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy. Students receiving special education services will not be assigned to supervised study hall/in-school suspension unless the goals and objectives of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) are capable of being met.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the designated school officials, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. The administrative regulations will indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.
Adopted: 9/98
Reviewed: 5/11; 3/12; 7/13; 10/14; 1/15; 10/17; 10/23
Revised: 9/20; 8/24
Related Policy: 501.1; 501.11-R
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 294.4; 299; 281 IAC 12.3(4); 34 CFR Sec 300; 28 CFR Pt 35
Iowa Senate File 2435
IASB Reference: 501.09
Mandatory Policy