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.  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.

Cross Reference:   

    100  Legal Status of the School District

Approved:  2/101997            Reviewed:   02/12/2024                       Revised:  02/12/2024

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 is 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 their former resident school district will be permitted to attend. Students who plan to open enroll to their former resident district for the next school year may do so without approval of the board.  

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 as 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 may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.

NOTE:  This policy reflects current Iowa law.  Iowa's open enrollment law has not eliminated the need for this policy.  This policy affects nonresident students who do not qualify for open enrollment. 

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.

Approved:  2/10/1997              Reviewed:   02/12/2024                        Revised:  02/12/2024

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 or hours school is in session in accordance with the school calendar.  Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of 1080 hours.  Students not attending the minimum hours must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, referred to the county attorney.  Exceptions to this policy include children who:

• 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 probationary approved private college preparatory school;

• are attending an accredited nonpublic school;

• are receiving independent private instruction; or,

• are receiving competent private instruction.

It is the responsibility of the parent of a child to provide evidence of the child's mental and physical inability to attend school or of the child's qualifications for one of the exceptions listed above.

The principal will investigate the cause for a student’s truancy.  If the principal is unable to secure the truant student’s attendance the principal should discuss the next step with the school board.  If after school board action, the student is still truant, the principal will refer the matter over to the county attorney.

The school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney.  The superintendent will 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. 

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy.  The compulsory attendance law does not require school districts to have a truancy officer.

Legal Reference:    

Iowa Code §§ 259A; 279.10-.11; ch 299; 299A. 

Cross Reference:              

         601.1  School Calendar

Approved:  2/10/1997              Reviewed: 02/12/2024                   Revised:   02/12/2024

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.

Before the student may enroll in the district's education program,  The board will require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence of age.  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 is reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student.

 NOTE:  This policy reflects current Iowa law.  Only the state registrar has authority to make a copy of a birth certificate.  Districts who utilize online registration platforms should be aware that birth certificates should not be uploaded on the online platform as proof of age, as that creates a copy of the birth certificate.  Districts can either view a birth certificate in person then return it to the child’s guardian; or utilize a variety of documents including but not limited to a certified statement from a treating medical provider, or an immunization record from the child’s treating provider that lists the child’s date of birth as sufficient proof of age.

Legal Reference:               

Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 144.45(5); 282.1, .3, .6.

Cross Reference:              

507.01       Student Health and Immunization Certificates

607.02       Student Health Services

607.02R1  Student Health Services - Regulation 

Approved:  2/10/1997           Reviewed:  02/12/2024             Revised:  02/12/2024

The board will have complete discretion to determine the boundaries for each attendance center. 

Parents or guardians of siblings in the same grade level academically in grades kindergarten through grade five may request the siblings be placed in the same or different classrooms.  In order to be valid, the request must be made in writing and submitted to the school principal at the time of registration for classes, or within fourteen days after the children’s first day of attendance during the school year.  If a valid request is received by the school principal, the request must be honored.  While a parent or guardian may make a placement request that siblings be placed together or apart, the district administration retains complete discretion to select the classroom teacher(s) to which siblings are assigned.  If after the initial grading period following the placement of siblings in the same or different classrooms the school principal determines the placement is disruptive to the class; the principal may assign one or more of the siblings to different classrooms.

It is be 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 challenges, 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.

Approved:  2/10/1997                         Reviewed:   7/10/2023                        Revised:  07/10/2023

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 shall 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.

NOTE:  School districts do not need parental permission to request student records from previous school districts.  The school district sending the records must notify the parents that the student's records have been sent.

Legal Reference:               

20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1988).

Iowa Code §§ 139.9A8; 282.1, .3,.4; 299A.

Cross Reference:              

501.15    Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District

505.3      Student Honors and Awards

507         Student Health and Well-Being

604.1      Private Instruction

604.10    Online Courses

604.11    Appropriate Use of Online Learning Platforms

 Approved: 2/10/1997       Reviewed:  02/12/2024   Revised:  02/12/2024

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.

281 I.A.C. 12.2(4). 

Approved:  2/101997            Reviewed:   02/12/2024               Revised:  02/12/2024 

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 or 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 other 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 be in attendance by noon of 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. 12.2(4).

Approved:  4/14/1997            Reviewed:  02/12/2024                     Revised:  02/12/2024

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 shall 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.

281 I.A.C. 12.3.(4).

Approved:  2/10/1997          Reviewed: 02/12/2024        Revised:  02/12/2024

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 physical condition, 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.

Cross Reference:   

604.2  Individualized Instruction

Approved:  2/10/1997              Reviewed:  02/12/2024           Revised:  02/12/2024

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. § 1232g.

                               Iowa Code §§ 22; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4; 599.1; 622.10.

                               281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).3.

Approved:  2/10/1997       Reviewed:   02/12/2024      Revised:  02/12/2024

Approved                                Reviewed   1/8/2018              Revised      9/22/05

The Tipton CSD 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 that Hannah Schulz, Elementary Student Family Advocate 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:    

503.03           Fines - Fees - Charges

503.03R1       Fines - Fees - Charges - Regulation

503.03E1       Fines - Fees - Charges - Standard Fee Waiver Application

507.1             Student Health and Immunization Certificates

603.3             Special Education

711.01            Student School Transportation Eligibility

Approved:  02/10/1997                    Reviewed: 02/12/2024                     Revised: 02/12/2024