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:
- Requiring doctor’s excuse to confirm illness
- Confirmation of bereavement leave/absence
- Referral to school counselor
- Referral to outside agency
- Assign detention
- Recommend retention in grade
- 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
