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 will 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 a reasonable excuse. Truancy will not be tolerated by the board.
Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion. It is 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.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. The administrative regulations will indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299.
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).
Cross Reference:
206.3 Secretary
410.3 Truancy Officer
Approved: 4/14/1997 Reviewed: 02/12/2024 Revised: 02/12/2024
Regular attendance by the students at school is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the educational program. Parents and students alike are encouraged to make sure that any absence from school is a necessary absence. Students shall attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.
Absences, including tardiness, which are not approved by the administration shall be non-exempt absences. Non-exempt absences are absences that could have been avoided. These absences shall include, but not be limited to: shopping, hunting, parties and other celebrations, and gainful employment. Non-exempt absences will not be tolerated by the board.
Students are subject to disciplinary action for non-exempt absences. It shall be within the discretion of the principal to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of a non-exempt absence.
It shall be within the discretion of the principal to investigate and determine whether disciplinary or special action is necessary for students who are absent repeatedly. It shall be within the discretion of the principal to determine "absent repeatedly" on a cases-by-case basis.
It shall be 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 the non-exempt absence or absences.
Cross Reference:
206.03 Secretary
Approved: 02/10/1997 Reviewed: 03/18/2024 Revised: 03/18/2024