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 greater 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 ten percent of the days in the grading period established by the district.
Truant/truancy means a child of compulsory attendance age who is absent from school for any reason for at least twenty percent of the days in the grading period. Truancy does not apply to the following students who:
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- have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or has 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 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. 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.
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.
Legal Reference: 34 C.F.R. sec. 300
28 C.F.R. Pt. 35
Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
503 Student Discipline
504 Student Activities
506 Student Records
Approved: 08/19/2024
Reviewed:
Revised:
