Code No. 501.10
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 shall 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 shall 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.
Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy. It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy.
The superintendent shall investigate the cause for a student's truancy. If the superintendent is unable to secure the truant student's attendance, the superintendent should discuss the next step with the school board. If after school board action, the student is still truant, the superintendent shall refer the matter over to the county attorney.
The school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney. The superintendent shall 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.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. The administrative regulations shall indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (1993).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).
Cross Reference: 501.3 Compulsory Attendance
503 Student Discipline
504 Student Activities
506 Student Records
Approved 08/23/94 Reviewed 10/14/96; 11/09/99; 10/10/05; 10/13/10; 10/21/15; 10/13/2020 Revised
MORNING SUN COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS