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, will have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board.  Students will attend school the number of days school is in session in accordance with the school calendar.  Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of 180 days or 1080 hours.  Students not attending the minimum days must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, referred to the county attorney.  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 nonpublic school; or,
  • are receiving independent private instruction; or,
  • are receiving competent private instruction.

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 other school official will investigate the cause for a student's truancy.  If the principal or other school official is unable to secure the truant student’s attendance, and if the student is still truant, the principal or other school official will refer the matter over to the county attorney.

The school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney.  The superintendent will 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 §§ 239.5B; 259A; 279.10-.11; ch. 299; 299A (2009)

                                    441 I.A.C. 41.25(8).                                                       

                                    1978 Op. Att'y. Gen. 379.

Cross Reference:          501       Student Attendance

                                    601.1    School Calendar

                                    604.1    Competent Private Instruction

Approved:  02/16/2006

Reviewed:  01/19/2006, 03/24/2011, 03/22/2016

Revised:     09/18/2014