503A Chronic Absenteeism

503A

CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM

 

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 hours 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 hours in the grading period.

 

Chronic absenteeism and truancy do 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 qualifying religious instruction in accordance with relevant laws;
• are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;
• has an individualized education program that affects the child’s attendance; 
• has 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;
• are exempt under Iowa Code §299.24:
• are a military applicant undergoing military entrance processing;
• are engaged in military service;
• are traveling to attend a funeral; or
• are traveling to attend a wedding.

 

Evidence may be shown in written or verbal communications with the building level administration. Parent/guardian shall provide a copy of the evidence upon administrator request.

Reasonable travel time will be afforded for engaging in the exceptions listed above.

 

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.

 

REVIEWED: 11/24/2025