After reviewing attendance data and family feedback from the past year, we are updating our Student Attendance Policy to improve communication and help students stay on track. These changes remain aligned with Iowa Code SF 2435 and reflect our continued focus on reducing chronic absenteeism while supporting families.

Key Definitions (no changes):

  • Chronically Absent: Missing 10% or more of school days in a semester (~8 days or 56 hours).
  • 15% Absenteeism: Missing about 12 days or 81 hours a semester, requires parents/guardians to attend a School Engagement Meeting to create an Absenteeism Prevention Plan. Schools will also begin weekly check-ins with the family.
  • Truancy: Missing 20% or more of the school day in a semester (~15 days or 112 hours) results in a referral to the county attorney.

Exempt Absences still include absences due to religious holidays, school activities, court dates, in-school suspensions, college classes, military training, wedding/funeral, and long-term documented medical needs.

What’s Changing for the 2025–2026 School Year:

  • Illness-Related Absences: Students are allowed up to 5 medical/illness-related absences per school year without a doctor’s note. Starting with the sixth illness-related absence, a doctor’s note must be submitted within 48 hours for the absence to be considered exempt. Without documentation, the absence will count toward chronic absenteeism.
  • Notification Process: We will no longer send certified letters when a student reaches 10% and 15% absenteeism. Last year, certified mail was a significant cost to the district, and many letters got returned. Instead, notifications will be sent digitally through Infinite Campus and logged in the system.
  • Truancy Notification: If a student reaches 20% absenteeism, their parent/guardian will be notified via phone, text, and/or email, and a digital letter will be sent via Infinite Campus. The case will be referred to the county attorney for review and potential legal action.

If you have any questions about this policy change, please contact your student’s school office or Jen Van Fleet, Executive Director of Student Services, at jvanfleet@crschools.us