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 90 day in the semester 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 90 days in the semester. Truancy does not apply to the following students who:
- 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 unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;
- 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 could be subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the designated school officials, 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. 12.3(4).
Cross Reference:
501 Student Attendance
503 Student Discipline
504 Student Activities
506 Student Records
Approved 4-12-21
Reviewed 11-11-24
Revised 8-12-24
