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.  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