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 (2013).                                                                                                       
                                      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:  100 Legal Status of the School Board
                                      501 Student Attendance

Approved:  Dec. 16, 1985 , April 9, 2018     
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Apr. 22, 2013, March 19, 2018,
Revised: March 19, 2018

 

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 shall be 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 the school district may be permitted to attend without the payment of tuition at the discretion of the superintendent and approval of the board.  Students who plan to open enroll to the nonresident district may complete the school year without approval of the superintendent or board.  These students, other than students in grades eleven and twelve, must have the recommendation of the principal.

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^st may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.

 

 

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).
                                      Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.1, .2, .6, .7, .24 (2013).

Cross Reference:  501 Student Attendance

Approved:  Oct. 12, 1987, Sep 22, 2014, April 9, 2018     
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Apr. 22, 2013, Aug 25, 2014, March 19, 2018      
Revised: Apr. 22, 2013, Aug 25, 2014, March 19, 2018

 

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, will have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board.  Students will  attend school the number of days school is in session in accordance with the school calendar. Students not attending the minimum days must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, referred to the county attorney. Exceptions to this policy include children whom:

• 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; or,
• are receiving competent private instruction.

 

501.3 A

ATTENDANCE GUIDING PRINCIPLE

Regular attendance at school, just like attendance on the job, is an important ingredient to success.  Only through attendance and class participation do students achieve the maximum benefits of the educational program.  Participating in class discussion, developing an appreciation for the views and abilities of other students, and forming the habit of regular attendance are legitimate class objectives.   Learning lost due to absence can never be replaced.  Regular attendance and being prepared for class helps students in school and helps prepare them for adulthood. It is the Parent/Guardians’ responsibility to assure that their child is in attendance.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Children between the age of six and sixteen, as of September 15, residing in Fairfield 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 section 299.1A.  Children of compulsory attendance age who are enrolled in the Fairfield Community School District shall attend school for the number of days according to the district calendar, unless excused under the terms of the district’s attendance policy.

 

ATTENDANCE CODES

E: Excused Absence--“official slips” such as a medically documented illness, medically documented appointment, court appearances, school-sponsored activities, or other absences approved by building principals.

V: Verified Absence—parent provides written or verbal notification to the school of student’s absence.  Students are allowed six verified absences during the year.  (Unless school administration determines the absence to be truancy).

U: Unexcused—After 6 verified absences any absence is considered unexcused unless it meets the criteria of an “excused” absence (see above).

T: Truancy—an unexcused absence wherein the administration determines the student has ”skipped” school, with or without parent permission.

 

STEPS FOR ADDRESSING EXCESSIVE ABSENTEEISM

**If at any time, it is determined that a student is showing early signs of chronic absenteeism, steps can be skipped and an Administrative Attendance Hearing may be held or the County Attorney may pursue legal intervention.

STEP 1: When the absences experienced by a student are determined to be excessive, the student has reached six days of verified absences, or absences are of such frequency that school staff is concerned that the success of the student is jeopardized, a letter will be sent to the parent/guardian and attendance information forwarded to the truancy officer.

STEP 1A: If the actions taken in Step 1 do not resolve the issue of excessive absences for the student, and the student has three unexpected absences, the truancy officer will contact the parent/guardian in a further attempt to resolve the issue of excessive absences.  School progress (grades and absences) will be discussed as appropriate, and as determined by the truancy office and building administrator.

STEP 2: In the event the two previous steps fail to resolve the attendance issue, and the student has six unexcused absences, the school will refer the student to the Jefferson County Attorney for assistance in rectifying the attendance issue.

A letter will be sent requesting an “Administrative Attendance Hearing”, and it will be held with the parent/guardian, counselor, principal, teacher, and truancy officer in attendance.  The student’s academic progress and attendance history will be reviewed and procedures established to improve attendance which may include but not be limited to the following:

1. Requiring doctor’s excuse to confirm illness
2. Confirmation of bereavement leave/absence
3. Referral to school counselor
4. Referral to outside agency
5. Assign detention
6. Recommend retention in grade
7. Referral to truancy officer

If the parent refuses to attend the “Administrative Attendance Hearing”, a letter will be placed in the student’s permanent school file to that effect and a copy sent to the County Attorney for their records.

STEP 3: If it is determined that the attendance problem still exists after Step 2, and the student has reached 12 days of unexcused absences, the parent/guardian will be contacted for the last time by the school and informed that a referral for mediation through the County Attorney has been recommended.

STEP 4: The Count Attorney’s office will arrange required mediation as per Iowa Code 229.5A.  Failure to appear for mediation is a misdemeanor under Iowa law.

STEP 5: The School will conduct an ongoing follow-up to determine if the mediation was successful. 

STEP  6: If it is determined that attendance continues to be a problem and in violation of the mediation agreement, and the student has 18 unexcused absences, a referral to the County Attorney’s office or other appropriate agencies will be sent with a recommendation for legal action.

(See the student handbook for the administrative regulation regarding the FCSD attendance policy).

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 259A; 279.10-.11; 299.1-.1A; 299A (2013).
                                      441.1A.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:  Oct. 13, 1986, , April 9, 2018, June 18, 2018      
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Apr. 22, 2013, March 19, 2018, May 21, 2018      
Revised:  Sep. 21, 1992, Mar. 10, 1997, March 19, 2018 May 21, 2018      

 

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 will 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 is 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 (2013).
                                      1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 258.

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

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985, April 9, 2018     
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Apr. 22, 2013, March 19, 2018     
Revised: March 19, 2018

 

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

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 difficulties, 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 (1995).

Cross Reference:  501 Student Attendance

Approved:  Dec. 16, 1985, April 9, 2018     
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005; June 8, 2009, Apr. 22, 2013, March 19, 2018    
Revised:  July 13, 2009, March 19, 2018

 

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 will request the student's cumulative records from the previous school district.  If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, the superintendent will make the grade level determination.  The superintendent may require testing or other information to determine the grade level.  Students expelled or suspended from their previous school district will only be enrolled after approval of the board.

The superintendent will  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 (2012).
                                      Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 282.1, .3, .4: 299A (2013)
                                      Iowa Code § 282.4 (Supp. 1995).

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

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985, April 9, 2018     
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Apr. 22, 2013, March 19, 2018.    
Revised:  March 19, 2018.    

 

If the student's parents wish to withdraw or transfer the student from school prior to completing and graduating from the education program, they should notify the superintendent in writing as soon as possible of the decision to withdraw or transfer the student from the education program.  The student or parent should present this written notice at the office and receive instructions regarding the return of textbooks, library books, school issued equipment, outstanding fees, etc.

The notice will state the student's final day of attendance.  If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the school district will 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 will  notify the superintendent in writing.  This notice will 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 will notify the superintendent that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction reports.

 

 

Legal Reference:  20 U.S.C. § 1232g (2012).
                                      Iowa Code §§ 274.1; 299.1-.1A (2013).

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

Approved:  March 10, 1997, June 17, 2013, April 9, 2018.        
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Apr. 22, 2013, March 19, 2018.           
Revised:  Apr. 22, 2013, March 19, 2018.    

 

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

It is 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(2013).
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference:  501 Student Attendance
                                      506 Student Records

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985, , April 9, 2018.     
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Apr. 22, 2013, March 19, 2018.                 
Revised:  March 19, 2018.           

 

Regular attendance by students 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.  Students will attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.

Student absences approved by the principal are excused absences.  Excused absences will count as days in attendance for purposes of the truancy law.  These absences include, but are not limited to, [illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances, appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day and school-sponsored or approved activities].

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 whose absences are approved will make up the work missed and receive full credit for the missed school work.  It is the responsibility of the student to initiate a procedure with the student's teacher to complete the work missed.

Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend school [the full day or one-half day] the day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent.

It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the student's attendance center as soon as the parent knows the student will not be attending school on that day.  The principal may request evidence or written verification of the student's reason for absence.

It is 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. 12.3(4).

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

Approved                                              
Reviewed                                              
Revised                   

 

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.  Students shall attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.

Truancy is the failure to attend school for the minimum number of days established in the school calendar by the board.  Truancy is the act of being absent without an excuse that is acceptable to school officials.  These absences will include, but not be limited to, [tardiness, shopping, hunting, concerts, preparation or participation in parties and other celebrations and employment].  Truancy will not be tolerated by the board.

Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion.  It will 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. Students receiving special education services will not be assigned to supervised study hall or in school suspension unless the goals and objectives of the student’s Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.

The building principal will investigate the cause for a student's truancy.  If the building principal is unable to secure the truant student’s attendance, the student assistance / at-risk process will be engaged. If the student continues to be truant, the building principal shall refer the matter 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.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.  The administrative regulations shall indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (2013).
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).

Cross Reference:  206.3 Secretary
                                      410.3 Truancy Officer
                                      501    Student Attendance
                                      503    Student Discipline
                                      504    Student Activities
                                      506    Student Records

Approved:  Dec. 10, 1990, Dec 16, 2013, April 9, 2018.          
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Oct 28, 2013, March 19, 2018           
Revised:  March 10, 1997, Oct 28, 2013, March 19, 2018            

 

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 will include, but not be limited to, illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, religious instruction, classes outside the student's attendance center, employment for which the student has been issued a work permit and other reasons determined appropriate by the principal.

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

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 294.4 (2013).
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

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

Approved:  Mar. 10, 1997, April 9, 2018
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Oct 28, 2013, March 19, 2018                
Revised: March 19, 2018           

 

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 will resume classes upon the recommendation of her physician.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 216; 279.8; 280.3 (2013).

Cross Reference:  501    Student Attendance
                                      604.2 Individualized Instruction

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985, April 9, 2018      
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Oct 28, 2013, March 19, 2018                 
Revised:   March 19, 2018           

 

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. § 123 (2012).
                                      Iowa Code §§ 22; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4; 599.1; 622.10 (2013).
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

Cross Reference:  501 Student Attendance
                                      506 Student Records

Approved:  Mar. 10, 1997, April 9, 2018      
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Oct 28, 2013, March 19, 2018                 
Revised: March 19, 2018           

 

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 districts no later than March 1 in the school year proceeding the first year desired for open enrollment.  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 in the school district are exempt from the open enrollment March 1 deadline.  Parents of children who will begin kindergarten will file in the same manner set forth above by September 1.  Parents who have good cause as defined by law for failing to meet the March 1 deadline may make an open enrollment request by September 1 unless another deadline applies.

The receiving district will approve open enrollment requests according to the timelines established by law.  The parents may withdraw the open enrollment request prior to the start of the school year.  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 may 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 is 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 §§ 139.9; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1 (2013).
                                      House File 882, 2005 General Assembly
                                      281 I.A.C. 17.
                                      1990 Op.  Att'y Gen. 75.

Cross Reference:  501 Student Attendance
                                      506 Student Records

Approved:  June 12, 1989, April 9, 2018      
Reviewed: Aug. 8, 2005, Oct 28, 2013, March 19, 2018                      
Revised:  Oct. 10, 1994, Sep. 16, 1996, Jan. 12, 2004, Sep. 19, 2005, March 19, 2018                 

 

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 approve (select those appropriate) timely filed applications by June 1; incoming kindergarten applications; good cause application; or continuation of an educational program application filed by September 1.

The superintendent will notify the sending school district and parents within five days of the superintendent'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 superintendent, in his 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 shall be 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 not be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, during the first ninety days of open enrollment into the school district. Transfer rules of the governing state athletic association will be observed.

Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement unless the parents qualify for transportation assistance.  Upon a parent's request, the board may approve transportation into the sending district.  The transportation is limited to within one mile of the district boundary/current bus route.  The board's approval is subject to the sending district's approval.

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.

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

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

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1 (2013).
                                      281 I.A.C. 17.
                                      1990 Op. Att'y Gen. 75.

Cross Reference:  501.6   Student Transfers In
                                      501.7   Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals
                                      501.14 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District
                                      506      Student Records
                                            507      Student Health and Well-Being
                                      606.6   Insufficient Classroom Space

Approved:  June 12, 1989, Dec 16, 2013, April 9, 2018   
Reviewed:  Aug. 8, 2005, Oct 28, 2013, March 19, 2018                      
Revised:  Sep. 21, 1992, Sep. 16, 1996, Jan. 12, 2004, Sep. 19, 2005, Oct 28, 2013, March 19, 2018                 

 

The Fairfield 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 shall:

• Designate the school social worker 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.

The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement this policy.

 

 

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
                                        603.3    Special Education
                                        711.1    Student School Transportation Eligibility

Approved:  Mar. 10, 1997, Feb 20, 2017, April 9, 2018    
Reviewed:  Sep. 28, 2005, Oct 28, 2013, Dec 7, 2016, March 19, 2018.    
Revised:  Oct. 10, 2005, Dec 7, 2016, March 19, 2018.