Student Attendance

Senate File 2435 was signed into law on May 9, 2024, with an effective date of July 1, 2024. SF2435 details public school attendance requirements and outlines specific school actions based on a student’s rate of non-exempt absences. Districts must adopt an attendance policy and, as necessary, collaborate with county attorneys, conduct school engagement meetings, and work with county truancy officers.

In July 2025, Senate File 277 was signed into law, clarifying how those rules apply. It made it clear that schools only need to take formal action if absences are affecting a student’s academic progress. It also updated how schools notify families and added specific exemptions (see exemption list).

The district has enacted Board Policy 501.03 Compulsory Attendance in accordance with Senate File 2435.

As a reminder, like all legislation, we are still working to gain clearer guidance from the Department of Education on specifics. If you have any questions, issues, or barriers to your child’s attendance or this law, we are here to help.

Exceptions will be made for unavoidable absences, and these will be exempt from the count towards truancy percentage distinctions. 

Medical/Sickness Absences:

• Students sent home by the school nurse are exempt for that day and the following day.
• Regularly scheduled medical appointments (monthly or more frequent), excluding orthodontic appointments, will be exempt with a doctor's note. Please note that the district will not be requesting these notes from families; however, students and families may voluntarily provide them to be considered for an exemption. Previously, these days were listed as excused absences but still counted toward the percentages used for truancy reporting. Under the updated procedure, this will no longer be the case.

If a student leaves school early or stays home by personal choice without providing a doctor's note or other appropriate documentation, the absence will not be exempt and may be counted toward the truancy percentage.

Religious Absences:

• Absences for traveling to and attending religious services, weddings, or funerals 

Other Exemptions:

• Court Orders: Absences due to a court order from a judge

• Military Absences: Absences due to military service or military entrance processing.
• IEP/504 Plans that Affect Attendance: Absences due to a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan that directly impacts their attendance
• Family Emergencies: Situations that require students to be absent for unavoidable family emergencies may be exempt on a case-by-case basis.
• Late Arrival/Early Leave: Students who arrive within the first 45 minutes of the school day or leave within the last 45 minutes are marked accordingly, and this does not count as a full absence.

All buildings' attendance/grading period will be recorded on a semester basis. 

10% Absence (9 days in 1st semester, 8 days in 2nd semester):
North Polk will notify both the student’s family and the county attorney.

15% Absence (13 days in 1st semester, 12 days in 2nd semester):
If absences are impacting academic progress, North Polk will notify the county attorney and schedule a meeting with the family to create an absentee prevention plan.

20% Absence (18 days in 1st semester, 16 days in 2nd semester):
North Polk will notify the county attorney. The student will be classified as truant, and the county attorney will decide on any enforcement action related to compulsory education laws.

Please use the following methods to report your child’s attendance:

• High School:
  • Email: highschoolattendance@northpolk.org
  • Phone: 515-984-3400, select option 1
• Middle School:
  • Email: jill.frey@northpolk.org
  • Phone: 515-984-3400, select option 2
• Central Elementary:
  • Email: sharon.knapp@northpolk.org
  • Phone: 515-984-3400, select option 3
• West Elementary:
  • Email: anna.moeckly@northpolk.org
  • Phone: 515-984-3400, select option 4
• Big Creek Elementary:
  • Email: julie.patterson@northpolk.org
  • Phone: 515-984-3400, select option 5