Code No. 501.9
Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy
Chronic absenteeism/absences means any absence from school for more than ten percent of the days each semester listed in the current school calendar established by the district. Truant/truancy means a child of compulsory attendance age who is absent from school for any reason for at least twenty percent of the days in each semester listed in the current school calendar established by the district.
Chronic absenteeism and truancy does not apply to the following students who:
- have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or has obtained a high school equivalency diploma
- are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;
- are attending religious services or receiving qualifying religious instruction in accordance with relevant laws;
- are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;
- have an individualized education program than affects the student's attendance;
- have a plan under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. §794, that affects the child's attendance;
- are attending a private college preparatory school accredited or probationally accredited;
- are excused under Iowa Code §299.22;
- are exempt under Iowa Code §299.24;
- are a military applicant undergoing military entrance processing;
- are engaged in military service;
- are traveling to attend a funeral; or
- are traveling to attend a wedding.
Evidence may be shown in written or verbal communications with the building level administration. Reasonable travel time will be afforded for engaging in the exceptions listed above. 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, in-school suspension] unless the goals and objectives of the student's Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.
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 any specific consequences 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 designated school officials, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. The administrative regulations will indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.
LegalReference:
34 C.F.R. sec. 300
28 C.F.R. Pt. 35
Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).
Adopted: 07/21/2003
Reviewed: 08/11/2025
Revised: 08/11/2025
