Truancy – Unexcused Absences – Chronic Absence

Code Number: 501.10

Regular attendance is an integral part of the learning experience and is required of all students to receive the maximum benefit of the educational program.

Daily punctual school attendance must be a high priority for the student and the parent. Truancy is defined as the failure to attend school without an acceptable excuse. These unexcused absences may include, but not be limited to, shopping, hunting, concerts, and employment. Truancy will not be tolerated by the Board. The Board appoints the Directors of Elementary and Secondary Education as the individuals tasked with collecting information on the numbers of children in the District who are truant.

Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy. It is within the discretion of the Building Administrator to determine whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy. The administrative regulation (AR501.10) addresses disciplinary action and other processes applicable to truancy situations.

Chronic absence is defined as missing 10 percent or more of the school days in the school year for any reason, whether excused or unexcused, and truancy. The Board appoints the Directors of Elementary and Secondary Education as individuals tasked with collecting information on the numbers of children in the District who are chronically absent.

A student who fails to comply with the compulsory attendance requirements shall not receive an intermediate or full driver’s license until age 18. It is a student’s responsibility to meet any eligibility requirements for a driver’s license.

First Adoption:: 1994-09-13
Revision Adoption:: September 22, 1998/ March 25, 2003/ January 25, 2010/ March 28, 2011/ September 28, 2015/ December 9, 2019
Reviewed Dates:: October 21, 2019/ November 18, 2019
Legal Reference:: Iowa Code §§294.4; 299
281 IAC 12.3(4), (6)

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