|
Dear North Linn Families,
We hope this message finds you well as we continue our commitment to supporting your children’s education and well-being. We are reaching out to inform you about important changes to our absenteeism procedures, as outlined by recent state legislation, Senate File 2435. These changes are designed to encourage regular school attendance and to address absenteeism in a supportive and timely manner.
Definitions and Procedures:
1. Chronically Absent: Any student who is absent for more than 10% of the days or hours in the grading period will be considered chronically absent.
2. Truant: A student who misses 20% or more of the days or hours in a grading period without a valid excuse, and is not exempt under Senate File 2435, will be considered truant.
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 hours as outlined by the school calendar. It is important to note that the new legislation does not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences—all absences are counted toward the total time missed and are included in the 10%, 15%, and 20% absenteeism thresholds.
As a result, notification and intervention processes will be triggered when students reach these thresholds, regardless of the type of absence. However, the term "exempt" will be used to determine whether an absence will factor into absenteeism and truancy rules. Exemptions do not affect the overall absenteeism rates.
Exemptions from Truancy:
There are specific exemptions that excuse a student from being considered truant, including:
1. Completion of requirements for graduation or obtaining a high school equivalency diploma.
2. Excusal for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge.
3. Attendance at religious services or participation in religious instruction.
4. Inability to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons.
5. Attendance affected by an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
6. Attendance affected by a Section 504 plan under the Federal Rehabilitation Act.
Parent/Guardian Communication:
If a student becomes chronically absent (10%), a school official is required to notify the parent or guardian and the county attorney by certified mail. This notice will include details about the student’s absences and relevant disciplinary policies. In some cases, a notification may be sent before chronic absenteeism occurs based on prior agreements with the county attorney and outlined in our student handbook.
Engagement Meetings:
If a student reaches 15% absenteeism, the school will investigate the cause and initiate a school engagement meeting. This meeting will include the student, parent/guardian, and a school official. Together, we will develop and sign an absenteeism prevention plan aimed at addressing the causes of the absences and improving attendance.
The school will monitor compliance with this plan, and regular check-ins will be conducted for the remainder of the school year. If the plan is not followed, or if there is a lack of participation, legal action may be taken by the county attorney.
Truancy and Legal Actions:
The county attorney is responsible for enforcing attendance laws. If a student reaches the threshold of 20% absences without a valid cause, the North Linn administrators will reach out to the county attorney to alert them to the student’s absence rate.
These procedures reflect our shared responsibility to ensure that every student receives the education they deserve. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us. We appreciate your cooperation and partnership in promoting consistent school attendance and student success.
Sincerely,
Leisa Breitfelder
Superintendent
North Linn Community School District
| 
