501.10 - Unexcused Absence

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.  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 or the administration.

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 (2007).
   
                                    281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference:  206.3    Secretary
   
                                    410.5    Truancy Officer
   
                                    501       Student Attendance
   
                                    503       Student Discipline
   
                                    504       Student Activities
   
                                    506       Student Records

Approved    2-15-2010                          
Reviewed  
_7-20-2015__                                                                 
Revised