501.3 Compulsory Attendance

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, shall have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board. Students shall attend school the number of days school is in session in accordance with the school calendar. Students attending competent private instruction shall attend a minimum of ninety percent of days per term and a minimum of one-hundred and fifty-nine days per year. 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 probationally approved private college preparatory school;
• are attending an accredited non-public school; or,
• are receiving competent private instruction from a parent, guardian, or legal custodian.

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 or designee shall investigate the cause for a student’s truancy. If the principal or designee 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 shall refer the matter over to the county attorney for students in grades 7-12.

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

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

Cross Reference:  501 Student Attendance
601.1 School Calendar
604.1 Competent Private Instruction

Adopted:  Unknown
Modified:  05/17/21
Reviewed:  05/03/21