The district believes that traditional, in-person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students. Students who are present in school and engaged active learners take greater ownership over their educational outcomes. For this reason, it is the priority of the district to foster regular student attendance throughout the school year and reduce barriers to regular attendance for students in the district.
Chronic absenteeism/absences means any absence from school for more than ten percent of the days in the grading period established by the district.
Truant/truancy means a child of compulsory attendance age who is absent from school for any reason for at least twenty percent of the days in the grading period established by the district.
Chronic absenteeism and truancy do not apply to the following students who:
have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or has obtained a high school equivalency diploma
are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;
are attending religious services or receiving qualifying religious instruction in accordance with relevant laws;
are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;
have an individualized education program than affects the student's attendance;
have a plan under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. §794, that affects the child's attendance;
are attending a private college preparatory school accredited or probationally accredited;
are excused under Iowa Code §299.22;
are exempt under Iowa Code §299.24;
are a military applicant undergoing military entrance processing;
are engaged in military service;
are traveling to attend a funeral; or
are traveling to attend a wedding.
Evidence may be shown in written or verbal communications with the building level administration. Reasonable travel time will be afforded for engaging in the exceptions listed above. 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 study hall or 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 designated school officials, 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.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).
Cross Reference: 206.3 Secretary
410.3 Truancy Officer
Approved: November 8, 2006
Reviewed: March 2024, Dec 2025
Board Policy East Buchanan Community Schools
Daily, punctual attendance is an integral part of the learning experience and is required of all students to receive the maximum benefit of the educational program. The habit of good attendance established early is one which helps a person be successful throughout his or her lifetime. More and more, employers, colleges and vocational schools expect good attendance and are checking attendance records for absences and tardies. They are aware that good and prompt attendance indicates dependability in a student.
The education that goes on in the classroom builds from day to day and as a result, absences always cause some disruption in the educational progress of the absent student. Students who are absent may not understand what the teacher is currently presenting, and may also become discouraged with the double burden of keeping current and making up missed work. In order to maintain interest and understanding in the instructional program, students should not expect to be absent any more than is absolutely necessary. Irregular attendance or tardiness by students not only limits their own studies, but also interferes with the progress of those students who are regular and prompt in attendance. Attendance is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation and communication among students, parents and school.
School work missed because of absences must be made up within two times the number of days absent, not to exceed the number of days missed plus one day. The time allowed for make-up work may be extended at the discretion of the classroom teacher.
Students will be allowed to make up all work missed due to any absence and will receive full credit for make-up work handed in on time. Teachers will not have attendance or grading practices that are in conflict with this provision.
Approved: November 8, 2006
Last Reviewed: March 13, 2024
Board Policy East Buchanan Community Schools