Regular attendance by the students at school is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the educational program. Parents and students alike are encouraged to make sure that any absence from school is a necessary absence. Students shall attend school unless excused by the principal.
Absences, including tardiness, which are not approved by the administration, shall be unexcused absences. Unexcused absences are absences that could have been avoided. These absences shall include, the absences in code 501.8R, Section IV,III B. Unexcused absences will not be tolerated by the board.
Students are subject to disciplinary action for unexcused absences. It shall be within the discretion of the principal to investigate and determine whether disciplinary or special action is necessary for students who are absent repeatedly. It shall be within the discretion of the principal to determine “absentee repeatedly” on a case-by-case basis.
A student absent without the administration or the parent’s permission are considered truant. To be truant means the student willfully failed to attend school regularly even though the student is required to attend. Truant students may be reported to the local law enforcement officers.
It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. The administrative regulations shall indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for the unexcused absence or absences.
Legal Reference: Iowa code §§294.4 (1991)
281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.2 (4)
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
503 Student Discipline
504 Student Activities
506 Student Records
501.8R Student Attendance – Administrative Regulations
Approved: 4-13-92
Reviewed: 10-08-18
Revised: 11-8-99, 8-12-02
