Truancy – Unexcused Absences

Code No.: 501.3
TRUANCY – UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
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.
Unexcused absences will include, but not be limited to absences for the following reasons:
1. Truancy
2. Working (unless excused prior to absence)
3. Missing the bus or missing a ride
4. Oversleeping
5. Vehicle problems
6. Senior pictures being taken
7. Hair appointments
8. Tanning sessions
9. Needed at home (unless excused prior to absence)
10. Other avoidable absences
A truant child is one of compulsory attendance age (6 – 16) who:
1. fails to attend school anywhere;
2. Accumulates 8 days of unexcused instruction per term
3. Accumulates 15 days of unexcused instruction per academic year
Similarly, if a student turns sixteen prior to September 15, he or she is no longer of compulsory
attendance age and may dropout or seek alternative forms of education without risk to his or her parent(s).
If a student turns sixteen after September 15, he or she is compelled to attend for the remainder of that
school year.
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 suspension unless the goals and objectives of the student’s Individualized Education Program are
capable of being met.
The principal shall investigate the cause for a student’s truancy. If the principal is unable to secure the
truant student’s attendance, the principal should discuss the next step with the superintendent. If after
superintendent action, the student is still truant, the principal shall refer the matter over to the county
attorney.
The school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney. The principal or designee
shall represent the school district in mediation. The school district will monitor the student’s
compliance with the medication agreement and will report violations of the medication agreement to the
county attorney.
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 (2013).
281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).
Approved
Revised 4/18/94
Reviewed 2/21/00
Reviewed 4/7/03
Revised 4/21/03
Reviewed 7/7/08
Reviewed 12/5/11
Revised 7/6/15