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 will 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 will 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 including suspension and expulsion.  It is within the discretion of the principal to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy.  Students receiving special education services will not be assigned to supervised study hall, in-school suspension unless the goals and objectives of the student's Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.  The administrative regulations will indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.

Legal Reference:	Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (2013).
	281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).

Cross Reference:	206.3	Secretary [or Secretary/Treasurer]
	410.3	Truancy Officer
	501	Student Attendance
	503	Student Discipline
	504	Student Activities
	506	Student Records

Approved  9/8/03                 	Reviewed   3/20/19                 	Revised