By Roz Weis,
The Decorah Community School District is taking steps to adjust its attendance policies in response to a recent change in state law.
“Attendance is a shared responsibility among students, parents and the school, and any absence can disrupt learning,” Decorah Superintendent Tim Cronin and assistant Winneshiek County Attorney Charles W. Crain said in a joint letter, which was recently sent to district families.
The new law — Senate File 2435 — was signed into law by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds in early May after passing through both the Iowa House and Senate on April 18 — with lawmakers voting 32-13 in the Senate and 52-43 in the House.
The Decorah School Board met in special session Sept. 18 to conduct the first reading of new board policies regarding compulsory attendance, chronic absenteeism and truancy. Cronin said chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing specific tiers and thresholds. School officials noted there is now no distinction between excused and unexcused absences under the new law.
The new state law requires districts to identify students who have missed 10 percent of a given grading period. If a student reaches that 10 percent mark, the district is then required to report the absences to the Winneshiek County Attorney’s office, and families are to be notified of the issue via certified mail. Should a student reach the 15 percent threshold, the district must create an action plan to prevent further absences and meet with the student and family on a regular basis.
Once a student misses 20 percent of school in a grading period, they are considered truant by law, again requiring a notice to the county attorney and additional certified letters be mailed to parents.
Building and grounds director named
Full article available in the September 26 Decorah Leader.
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