501 - Student Attendance

501 - Student Attendance dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:31

501.01 - Resident Students

Children who are residents of the school district community will attend the school district without paying tuition.

The residence of a student means the place, abode, or dwelling of the student. Generally, the legal dwelling of minors is the same as their parents. However, a student may establish a dwelling with someone other than the parents and attend public school in the school district without paying tuition if the primary purpose for residing in the school district is not for the purpose of obtaining a free public education. Further, students who have reached the age of majority and who are still eligible to attend an Iowa secondary school may declare their residence independent of the residence of the parents.

Each case involving the bona fide residence of a student will be decided upon its individual merits by the superintendent.

Legal Reference:  Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School, 334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).
     Mt. Hope School Dist. v. Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924).
     Oshel v. Creston Comm. School Dist., DPI Admin. Doc. 570 (1981).
   33 D.P.I. Dec. Rule 80 (1984).
     Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4 (2003).
    1956 Op. Att'y Gen. 185.
1946 Op. Att'y Gen. 197.
    1938 Op. Att'y Gen. 69.
1930 Op. Att'y Gen. 147.

Cross Reference: 102 School District Instructional Organization
501 Student Attendance

Approved: 11/01/2004

Reviewed: 07/21/2008, 09/16/2013, 11/19/2018, 11/27/2023

Revised:

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:32

501.02 - Nonresident Students

Students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school but who are not legal residents of the school district may be admitted into the school district at the discretion of the superintendent upon application and payment of tuition. The tuition rate is the current per-pupil cost of the school district as computed by the board secretary and as authorized by the Iowa Department of Education.

Resident students whose families move from the school district after the start of a semester and who wish to complete the semester in their former resident school district will be permitted to attend. Students who plan to open enroll to their former resident district for the next school year may do so without approval of the superintendent or board.

Students in grades eleven or twelve who are no longer residents of the school district, but were residents in the preceding school year, may continue to attend school until they graduate without the payment of tuition. These students may be required to identify an adult, who resides in the school district, identified for purposes of administration.

Nonresident students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and who have evidence they will become legal residents of the school district prior to October 1 may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance

Approved: 11/01/2004

Reviewed: 07/21/2008, 09/16/2013, 11/19/2018, 06/19/2023

Revised: 06/19/2023

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:36

501.03 - Compulsory Attendance

Parents within the school district who have children over age six and under age sixteen by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, shall have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board. Students shall attend school the number of hours school is in session in accordance with the school calendar. Students of compulsory attendance age shall attend school a minimum of 1080 hours. Students not attending the minimum hours must be exempted by this policy as listed below or referred to the county attorney. Exceptions to this policy include children who:

have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma;
are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
are attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;
are attending an accredited nonpublic school;
are receiving independent private instruction; or,
are receiving competent private instruction.

It is the responsibility of the parent of a child to provide evidence of the child's mental and physical inability to attend school or of the child's qualifications for one of the exceptions listed above.

The principal or other school official shall investigate the cause for a student's truancy. If the principal or other school official is unable to secure the truant student's attendance through the district’s truancy regulation, the principal or other school official shall refer the matter over to the county attorney.

The school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney. The superintendent or designee shall represent the school district in mediation. The school district will monitor the student's compliance with the mediation agreement and will report violations of the mediation agreement to the county attorney.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 239.5B; 259A; 279.10-.11; ch. 299; 299A (2003).
441 I.A.C. 41.25(8).
1978 Op. Att'y. Gen. 379.

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
601.1 School Calendar
604.1 Competent Private Instruction

Approved: 11/01/2004

Reviewed: 09/16/2013, 11/19/2018

Revised: 02/18/2008, 09/15/2014, 11/27/2023, 03/18/2024

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:39

501.04 - Entrance - Admissions

Children in the school district community will be allowed to enroll in the school district's regular education program beginning at age five. The child must be age five on or prior to September 15 to participate in the school district's kindergarten program. The child must be age six on or prior to September 15 to begin the first grade of the education program.

The board shall require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence before the student may enroll in the school district's education program. It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to determine what is satisfactory evidence for proof of age.

Prior to enrollment, the child must provide the administration with their health and immunization certificate. Failure to provide this information within the time period set by the superintendent shall be reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 282.1, .3, .6 (2003).
1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 258.

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
507.1 Student Health and Immunization Certificates

Approved: 11/01/2004

Reviewed: 07/21/2008, 09/16/2013, 11/19/2018, 11/27/2023

Revised:

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:42

501.05 - Attendance Center Assignment

The board will have complete discretion to determine the boundaries for each attendance center and to assign students to the attendance centers.

Parents or guardians of siblings in the same grade level academically in grades kindergarten through grade five may request the siblings be placed in the same or different classrooms. In order to be valid, the request must be made in writing and submitted to the school principal at the time of registration for classes, or within fourteen days after the children’s first day of attendance during the school year. If a valid request is received by the school principal, the request must be honored. While a parent or guardian may make a placement request that siblings be placed together or apart, the district administration retains complete discretion to select the classroom teacher(s) to which siblings are assigned. If after the initial grading period following the placement of siblings in the same or different classrooms the school principal determines the placement is disruptive to the class; the principal may assign one or more of the siblings to different classrooms.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board annually regarding the assigned attendance center for each student. In making the recommendation, the superintendent will consider the geographical layout of the school district, the condition and location of the school district facilities, the location of student population, possible transportation challenges, financial condition of the school district and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent or the board.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.11; 282.7-.8.

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance

Approved: 11/01/2004

Reviewed: 07/21/2008, 09/16/2013, 11/19/2018, 10/21/2019, 11/27/2023

Revised: 10/21/2019

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:44

501.06 - Student Transfers In

Students who transfer into the school district must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the school district.

The school district shall request the student's cumulative records from the previous school district. If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, the superintendent or designee will make the grade level determination. The superintendent or designee may require testing or other information to determine the grade level. Students currently expelled or suspended from their previous school district will not be enrolled. Students will follow the regular enrollment process after their expulsion or suspension has expired.

The superintendent or designee shall determine the amount of credits to be transferred. If the student has not previously attended an accredited school, it is within the superintendent's discretion to accept or reject credits or grades.

The board may deny admission if the student is not willing to provide the board with the necessary information.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1994).
Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 282.1, .3, .4; 299A (2003).

Cross Reference: 501      Student Attendance
                              505.4   Student Honors and Awards
                              507      Student Health and Well-Being
                              604.1   Competent Private Instruction

Approved: 11/01/2004

Reviewed: 07/21/2008, 09/16/2013, 12/17/2018

Revised: 11/27/2023

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:46

501.07 - Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals

If the student's parent/guardian(s) wish to withdraw or transfer the student from school prior to completing and graduating from the education program, they shall notify the school in writing as soon as possible of the decision to withdraw or transfer the student from the education program. They will receive instructions regarding the return of textbooks, library books, locker equipment, hot lunch information, etc.

The notice shall state the student's final day of attendance. If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the school district shall maintain the student's records in the same manner as the records of students who have graduated from the school district.

If the parents wish to have the student's cumulative record sent to the new school district, the parents shall notify the school in writing. This notice shall include the name of the school district and the person at the new school district to whom the student's cumulative records should be sent. If the new school district requests the student's cumulative records, the school district will forward the cumulative records and notify the parents the records have been sent. The notice shall inform the parents of their right to review the records sent.

If the student is of compulsory education age and not transferring to another public school district or an accredited nonpublic school, the parents shall notify the school that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction reports.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g.
Iowa Code §§ 274.1; 299.1-.1A; 299A.11.

Cross Reference: 501      Student Attendance
    506      Student Records
                              604.1   Competent Private Instruction

Approved: 11/01/2004

Reviewed: 07/21/2008, 12/17/2018

Revised: 09/16/2013, 11/27/2023

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:47

501.08 - Student Attendance Records

As part of the school district's records, the daily attendance of each student shall be recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records of the board secretary.

It shall be the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the board secretary, the custodian of school records.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (2003).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
506 Student Records

Approved: 11/01/2004

Reviewed: 07/21/2008, 09/16/2013, 12/17/2018, 11/27/2003

Revised:

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:48

501.09 - Student Absences – Excused

Regular attendance by students is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program. Parents should understand that any absence not excused by a physician, school nurse, or building principal shall be considered an absence from school.

Any absences excused by either a physician, school nurse, or building principal (including any school sponsored or approved activities) shall be considered as days in attendance for the purpose of the truancy law.

The district believes that traditional, in-person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students. However, there may be rare and unusual circumstances created by public emergencies declared by state or local officials which temporarily prevent students from attending traditional, in-person school. In these circumstances, the superintendent will have discretion to make reasonable accommodations for students, on a case-by-case basis, to attend school through remote learning opportunities within the available resources of the district and as permitted by law. During approved remote learning, attendance will be taken, assessments may be administered, and grades will count towards students’ cumulative grade point average as if they were attending in person. The provision of special education and accommodations for students who have individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.

Students shall be allowed the opportunity to make up the work missed.

Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities are only allowed to miss until noon of the day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent.

It shall be the responsibility of the parent to notify the student's attendance center no later than 10:00 a.m. of the day the student is absent, or as soon as the parent knows the student will not be attending school on that day. The principal/designee will request evidence or written verification of the student's reason for absence.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference: 34 C.F.R.sec. 300
                              28 C.F.R. Pt. 35
                              Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299.
                              281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference: 501      Student Attendance
                              503      Student Discipline
                              504      Student Activities
                              506      Student Records

Approved: 07/17/2006

Reviewed: 08/18/2008, 12/17/2018, 07/20/2020

Revised: 06/19/2006, 12/16/2013, 07/20/2020, 11/27/2023

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:52

501.09E1 - Request for Remote Learning Form

REQUEST FOR REMOTE LEARNING FORM

Date: ________________

Student Name: ____________________________________________

Attendance Center: ________________________________________

Parent/Guardian: __________________________________________

I, _________________________________ (Parent/Guardian) am requesting accommodation for my child, _________________________________ (Student Name) to participate in remote learning opportunities for the duration of the declared public emergency, or until I have determined my child can safely return to traditional in-person learning at his/her designated attendance center, whichever occurs first.

I have attached to this form documentation from an Iowa Board of Medicine-licensed medical professional confirming that remote learning is medically necessary due to the vulnerable health condition of my child or of a family member residing within the same home as my child.

I understand that the district will do their utmost to accommodate my child’s learning needs, but that some learning opportunities may need to be modified in a remote environment. The provision of special education and accommodations for students who have individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.

I understand that in order for my child to continue to participate in mandatory learning, his/her remote attendance will be taken, assessments administered, and grades will be counted toward my child’s cumulative grade average. I understand that any devices, technology, or materials given to my child to facilitate remote learning are the property of the district and must be returned at the end of the remote learning period.

I am requesting that remote learning opportunities begin on ______________ (date) and continue until
[ ____________(date) or the declared public emergency is dismissed].

________________________________(Parent/Guardian) _____________________(Date)

Request approved by:

_______________________________ (School Official) ______________________(Date)

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:54

501.10 - Truancy

Regular attendance by the students at school is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program. Parents and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a necessary absence.

Children between the ages of six and sixteen, as of September 15, residing in the Independence Community School District are required to be enrolled in and attending an Iowa accredited public or private school, or receiving competent private instruction pursuant to state law (Iowa Code 299.1A). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 162 days per year. Truancy will not be tolerated by the board.

Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including, but not limited to, detention, retention, alternative placement, release to human services, release to a guidance counselor, truancy officer, intervention team or other appropriate third party. It shall be within the discretion of the principal to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy.

The principal/designee shall notify the truancy officer when a student is truant. The truancy officer shall investigate the cause of a student’s truancy and attempt to ensure the student’s attendance. The truancy officer may take the student into custody. A student taken into custody shall be placed in the custody of the principal. The truancy officer shall attempt to contact the student’s parents when the student is taken into custody. If after school administration action, the student is still truant, the truancy officer shall refer the matter over to the county attorney.

The school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney. The superintendent or designee shall represent the school district in mediation. The school district will monitor the student’s compliance with the mediation agreement and will report violations of the mediation agreement to the county attorney for possible prosecution.

Regulations for this policy are outlined in the student handbook for each attendance center.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (2003).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference: 206.3   Secretary-Treasurer
                                      501      Student Attendance
                                      503      Student Discipline
                                      504      Student Activities
                                      506      Student Records

Approved: 08/21/2006

Reviewed: 08/18/2008, 11/18/2013, 12/17/2018

Revised: 07/17/2006, 05/19/2009, 12/17/2018, 11/27/2023

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:56

501.10E - Sample Letter to Parents

SAMPLE LETTER TO PARENT/GUARDIAN(S) REGARDING ATTENDANCE

Date

Dear Parent/Guardian(s):

The Independence Community School District Board of Education’s attendance policy states the following actions will occur regarding cumulative student absences:

Letter from the building principal sent after 10^th absence from school.
(Any absence due to participation in school sponsored or approved activities will be excused by the building principal).
A mediation meeting between the parent, truancy officer and building principal/designee after the 15^th absence.
A detailed student attendance contract will be developed.
Any breeches of the terms of the contract by the student or parent(s) after the 18^th absence will result in a referral to the county attorney.

Regular attendance is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities and benefits from the educational program. The purpose of this letter is only to inform you of the number of absences and truancies your child has accumulated so far this year.

As of __________________, your child, ___________________________ has missed 10 days of school.

We understand there are times and circumstances requiring your child to miss school, and we also understand you are likely aware of the number of days missed by your child. However, the Board of Education believes it is imperative students are in attendance and are ready to learn. Therefore, this letter is sent to you as a reminder and to encourage you to make necessary adjustments in order to avoid further consequences as outlined in the school district attendance policy.

If you have any questions, concerns, or if you need clarification on the Board of Education policy please contact us. Thank you for your continued efforts and support of the Independence Community School District.

Sincerely,

Principal
Building
Address

Cc: Truancy Officer

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:58

501.10R - Truancy Regulation

Attendance in school is considered extremely important for the success of a student in their academic work. Students will be required to be in school a minimum number of days. This number will be no less than 162 days. The following action will take place with absences that are considered as truant from school.

The building principal/designee will send a letter to the parent of a student who has missed ten (10) cumulative days at their respective attendance center. (Code No. 501.10E1)

A mediation meeting will take place between the parent, truancy officer and building principal/designee, and student as appropriate, when the student has missed fifteen (15) cumulative days of school. At this meeting a detailed student specific attendance contract will be developed. This contract will include such items as consequences for breeches of the contract up to and including referral to the county attorney for prosecution which may happen upon the student missing the eighteenth (18)cumulative day of school.

The truancy officer will be responsible for the attendance of students in grade one through 16 years of age. (Students who turn 16 years of age during the school year must complete that year under compulsory attendance law.) The truancy officer will do the following:

Monitor daily attendance with assistance from building secretaries.
Will mediate at required parent conferences.
Will refer parents to the county attorney.
Will investigate and monitor persons referred to the county attorney.
Represent the Independence Community School District in any court proceedings.

The truancy officer will inform the superintendent of any scheduled mediation meetings.

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 14:00

501.11 - Student Release During School Hours

Students will be allowed to leave the school district facilities during school hours only with prior authorization from their parents, unless the parent appears personally at the student's attendance center to arrange for the release of the student during school hours, or with the permission of the principal.

Approved reasons for release of a student during the school day shall include, but not be limited to, illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, religious instruction, classes outside the student's attendance center, and other reasons determined appropriate by the principal.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 294.4 (2003).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference: 501      Student Attendance
                                      503      Student Discipline
                                      504      Student Activities
                                      506      Student Records

Approved 11/1/2004                             Reviewed 08/18/2008                           Revised
  11/18/2013
  12/17/2018

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 14:01

501.12 - Pregnant Students

The board encourages pregnant students to continue to attend the education program as long as they are physically able to do so. The pregnant student may notify the principal or the guidance counselor as soon as she is aware of the pregnancy. The school may require that a pregnant student provide the principal with a written note from her doctor relative to special conditions that might exist and specific suggestions as to how long the student may continue to attend classes. If the student is unable to attend school because of her pregnancy, the student may be excused and arrangements made to continue her studies during her absence. The student shall resume classes upon the recommendation of her physician.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 216; 279.8; 280.3 (2003).

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
604.2 Individualized Instruction

Approved 11/1/2004                             Reviewed 08/18/2008                           Revised
  11/18/2013
  12/17/2018

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 14:02

501.13 - Married Students

The board encourages married students to continue attending the education program in order to graduate.

Married students may attend without paying tuition as long as they are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and are a resident of the school district.

If requested, a married student with family responsibilities may have classes scheduled in blocks so as much time as possible can be spent fulfilling family responsibilities. Husbands and wives will not necessarily be scheduled in the same class sections.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 280.3; 282.2, .6, .7 (2003).

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance

Approved 11/1/2004 Reviewed 08/18/2008 Revised
11/18/2013
12/17/2018

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 14:04

501.14 - Students of Legal Age

Students who have attained legal age may continue the education program without payment of tuition as long as they are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and are residents of the school district.

Parents will be allowed to access and view the student's records without written permission from the student if the student is still a dependent for tax purposes. In most cases, with the discretion of the principal or the superintendent, the student will be able to make decisions and sign documents rather than requiring parental permission or signature.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1994).
Iowa Code §§ 22; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4; 599.1; 622.10 (2003).
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
506 Student Records

Approved 11/1/2004                       Reviewed 08/18/2008                     Revised
  11/18/2013
      12/17/2018

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 14:05

501.15 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a sending district. As a sending district, the board will allow resident students who meet the requirements to open enroll to another public school district.

Parents requesting open enrollment out of the school district for their student will notify the sending and receiving school district in accordance with district practice. The notice is made on forms provided by the Department of Education. The forms are available at the central administration office.

Parents of children who will begin kindergarten and prekindergarten children enrolled in special education programs and included in the district’s basic enrollment will file in the same manner set forth above.

The receiving district will approve or deny open enrollment requests according to the timelines established by law. The parents may withdraw the open enrollment request prior to the superintendent’s approval of the application. The receiving district’s superintendent will notify the parents and sending school district by mail within five days of the school district’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.

The board will not approve a student's request to allow the receiving district to enter the school district for the purposes of transportation.

An open enrollment request out of the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The determining factor for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the receiving school district is appropriate for the student's needs. The area education agency director of special education serving the receiving district will determine whether the program is appropriate. The special education student will remain in the school district until the final determination is made.

It will be the responsibility of the superintendent to maintain open enrollment request applications and notice forms. It will also be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1.

281 I.A.C. 17.

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance

Student Records

Approved 08/22/2005 Reviewed 08/18/2008 Revised 09/20/2021

11/18/2013 08/15/2022

12/17/2018

09/20/2021

08/15/2022

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 14:07

501.16 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a receiving district. As a receiving district, the board will allow nonresident students, who meet the legal requirements, to open enroll into the school district. The board will have complete discretion to determine the attendance center of the students attending the school district under open enrollment.

The superintendent will take action on the open enrollment request within 30 days of receiving the application.

The superintendent will notify the sending school district and parents within five days of the school district’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.

Open enrollment requests into the school district will not be approved if insufficient classroom space exists. Open enrollment requests into the school district will also not be approved for students who have been suspended or expelled by the administration or the board of the school district the student is or was attending until the student has been reinstated into the school district from which the student was suspended or expelled. Once the student is reinstated, the student's open enrollment request will be considered in the same manner as other open enrollment requests provided the required timelines are met.

Open enrollment requests into the school district that, if denied, would result in students from the same nuclear family being enrolled in different school districts, will be given highest priority. The board, in its discretion, may waive the insufficient classroom space reason for denial for students of the same nuclear family to prevent the division of a nuclear family between two school districts. Other open enrollment requests into the school district are considered in the order received by the school district with the first open enrollment request given a higher priority than the second open enrollment request and so forth.

Students in grades nine through twelve open enrolling into the school district will be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level only, in accordance with applicable laws.

Parents of students whose open enrollment requests are approved by the superintendent are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement. The board will not approve transportation into the sending district.

An open enrollment request into the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The determining factors for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the school district is appropriate for the student's needs and whether the enrollment of the special education student will cause the class size to exceed the maximum allowed. The area education agency director of special education serving the school district will determine whether the program is appropriate. The special education student will remain in the sending district until the final determination is made. For children requiring special education, the receiving district will complete and provide to the resident district the documentation needed to seek Medicaid reimbursement for eligible services.

The policies of the school district will apply to students attending the school district under open enrollment.

It will be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139.A.8; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1.

281 I.A.C. 17.

Cross Reference: 501.6 Student Transfers In

501.7 Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals

501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District

506 Student Records

507 Student Health and Well-Being

606.9 Insufficient Classroom Space

Approved 08/22/2005 Reviewed 08/18/2008 Revised 10/18/2021

11/18/2013 08/15/2022

12/17/2018

10/18/2021

08/15/2022

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 14:12

501.17 - Homeless Children and Youth

The Independence Community School District believes all students should have access to a free, appropriate public education. The district will ensure that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as other children and youth.

The term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The term includes:

Children and youth who are:
- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (sometimes referred to as “doubled up”);
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters; or
- Abandoned in hospitals.
Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

To help ensure that homeless children and youth have a full opportunity to enroll, attend, and succeed at school, the board will:

Direct the superintendent to designate an individual as the local homeless children and youth liaison;
Provide training opportunities for staff so staff may help identify and meet the needs of homeless children and youth;
Remove barriers, including those associated with fees, fines, and absences, to the identification, enrollment, retention, attendance and/or success in school for homeless children and youth;
Ensure collaboration and coordination with other service providers;
Ensure transportation is provided in accordance with legal requirements;
Provide school stability in school assignment according to the child’s best interests;
Ensure the privacy of student records, as provided by applicable law, including information about a homeless child or youth’s living situation;
Engage in the dispute resolution process for decisions relating to the educational placement of homeless children and youth as provided by applicable law; and
Prohibit the segregation of a homeless child or youth from other students enrolled in the district.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 6301.
                                     42 U.S.C. § 11302.
                                     42 U.S.C. §§ 11431 et seq.
                                       281 I.A.C. 33.

Cross Reference: 501      Student Attendance
503.3   Fines - Fees - Charges
                                      506      Student Records
                                      507.1   Student Health and Immunization Certificates
                                      603.2   Special Education
                                      711.1   Student School Transportation Eligibility

Approved 11/21/2016 Reviewed 12/17/2018 Revised 09/19/2022

09/19/2022

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 14:14

501.18 - Student Work Permits

The superintendent may, when requested, issue age and work permits to students in accordance with provisions of the state and federal child labor laws.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 92; 279.8 (2003).

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance

Approved 11/1/2004                             Reviewed 08/18/2008                           Revised
  11/18/2013
  12/17/2018

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 04/02/2021 - 14:17