As we prepare for the start of a new school year, I want to share some important changes to our district’s student attendance policy. Due to recent changes to the Iowa Code (SF 2435) concerning student absenteeism, truancy, and compulsory attendance requirements, we are revising our district’s attendance policies to ensure compliance with the new legal requirements. With these policy changes, our goal is to enhance our procedures, give parents and students clearer guidelines, and reduce school absenteeism.

CRCSD understands regular school attendance is crucial for your child’s academic success. When a student is absent from school, even for a few hours, they miss out on vital instruction and learning time needed for future achievement. Much of what occurs in the classroom cannot be duplicated through make-up work, causing kids to fall behind. Also, creating a habit of good attendance helps students learn the future skills, persistence, and grit needed to show up every day for college and work.

Key Changes to Absence Policy:
Compulsory Attendance Law: Iowa law requires all children between the ages of 6 and 16, by September 15th of each year, who are in proper physical and mental condition, to attend school. Students must attend school for the total number of days or hours per the school calendar. The following exemptions apply to the compulsory attendance policy:

  • Completion of graduation requirements or high school equivalency diploma.
  • Excusal for sufficient training reason by a court or judge.
  • Attendance at religious services or religious instruction.
  • Inability to attend due to documented medical reasons.
  • An individualized education program (IEP) affecting attendance.
  • A plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act affecting attendance.
  • Attendance at other approved institutions (college prep, accredited nonpublic school, homeschooling, etc.)

Chronic Absenteeism: CRCSD defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% of the days in a grading period or semester (approximately 56 hours or 8 days). If a student misses 10% or more days in a grading period/semester, the school will send a certified letter to their parent or guardian and notify the county attorney. No legal action will be taken at this time.

Truancy: CRCSD defines truancy as missing 20% or more days in a grading period or semester (approximately 84 hours or 12 days). If a student reaches 15% absenteeism, the student and their parent/guardian are required to attend a School Engagement Meeting with school officials. During this meeting, an Absenteeism Prevention Plan will be created to prevent more absences. That plan will be signed by the parent/guardian and a school representative. If a parent/guardian refuses to sign the Plan, the matter will be referred to the county attorney. Following this meeting, parents/guardians will receive weekly updates from the school regarding their child’s attendance for the remainder of the school year.

Absence Types: The new legislation does not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences; all absences count toward the total time missed and are included in the 10% and 15% absenteeism rates. This means that the notification and intervention process will occur at these thresholds, regardless of the type of absence.

Our district is committed to working closely with families to help address any concerns or barriers to regular student attendance. Please contact your student’s principal or guidance counselor should you need help.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education. We look forward to a successful school year ahead.

Respectfully,
Dr. Tawana Grover
CRCSD Superintendent