501 - Student Attendance

501 - Student Attendance Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:33

501.1 - Resident Students

Children who are residents of the school district community will attend the school district without paying tuition.

The residence of a student means the place, abode, or dwelling of the student. Generally, the legal dwelling of minors is the same as their parents. A student may establish a dwelling with someone other than the parents and attend public school in the school district without paying tuition if the primary purpose for residing in the school district is not for the purpose of obtaining a free public education. Further, students who have reached the age of majority and who are still eligible to attend an Iowa secondary school may declare their residence independent of the residence of the parents.

Each case involving the bona fide residence of a student will be decided upon its individual merits by the superintendent.

Legal Reference:
Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School, 334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).
Mt. Hope School Dist. v. Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924).
Oshel v. Creston Comm. School Dist., DPI Admin. Doc. 570 (1981).
33 D.P.I. Dec. Rule 80 (1984).
Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4.

Cross Reference:
100    Legal Status of the School District
501    Student Attendance

Approved June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:36

501.2 - Nonresident Students

Students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school but who are not legal residents of the school district may be admitted into the school district at the discretion of the superintendent upon application and payment of tuition. The tuition rate is the current per-pupil cost of the school district as computed by the board secretary and as authorized by the Iowa Department of Education.

Resident students whose families move from the school district after the start of a semester and who wish to complete the semester in their former resident school district will be permitted to attend. Students who plan to enroll in their former resident district for the next school year may do so without the approval of the board.

Students in grades eleven or twelve who are no longer residents of the school district, but were residents in the preceding school year, may continue to attend school until they graduate without the payment of tuition. These students may be required to identify an adult, who resides in the school district, identified for purposes of administration.

Nonresident students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and who have evidence they will become legal residents of the school district prior to October 1 may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.

NOTE: This policy reflects current Iowa law. Iowa's open enrollment law has not eliminated the need for this policy. This policy affects nonresident students who do not qualify for open enrollment.

Legal Reference: Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School, 334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).

Mt. Hope School Dist. v. Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924).

Oshel v. Creston Comm. School Dist., DPI Admin. Doc. 570 (1981).

Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.1, .2, .6, .7, .11, .24.

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance

Approved June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised: September 18, 2023

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:38

501.3 - Compulsory Attendance

Parents within the school district who have children over age six and under age sixteen by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, will have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board. Students will attend school the number of hours school is in session in accordance with the school calendar. Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of 1,040 hours. Students not attending the minimum hours must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, referred to the county attorney. Exceptions to this policy include children who:

have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma;
are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
are attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;
are attending an accredited nonpublic school;
are receiving independent private instruction; or,
are receiving competent private instruction.

It is the responsibility of the parent of a child to provide evidence of the child's mental and physical inability to attend school or of the child's qualifications for one of the exceptions listed above.

The principal will investigate the cause for a student's truancy. If the principal is unable to secure the truant student's attendance, the principal should discuss the next step with the school board. If after school board action, the student is still truant, principal will refer the matter over to the county attorney.

The school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney. The superintendent will 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.

Note: This is a mandatory policy. The compulsory attendance law does not require school districts to have a truancy officer.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 259A; 279.10-.11; ch. 299; 299A.

Cross Reference:
501    Student Attendance
601.1    School Calendar
604.1    Competent Private Instruction

Approved June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:39

501.4 - Entrance - Admissions

Children in the school district community will be allowed to enroll in the school district's regular education program beginning at age five. The child must be age five on or prior to September 15 to participate in the school district's kindergarten program. The child must be age six on or prior to September 15 to begin the first grade of the education program.

Before the student may enroll in the district's education program the board will require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence of age. It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine what is satisfactory evidence for proof of age.

Prior to enrollment, the child must provide the administration with their health and immunization certificate. Failure to provide this information within the time period set by Iowa law is reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student.

NOTE: This policy reflects current Iowa law. Only the state registrar has authority to make a copy of a birth certificate. Districts who utilize online registration platforms should be aware that birth certificates should not be uploaded on the online platform as proof of age, as that creates a copy of the birth certificate. Districts can either view a birth certificate in person then return it to the child’s guardian; or utilize a variety of documents including but not limited to a certified statement from a treating medical provider, or an immunization record from the child’s treating provider that lists the child’s date of birth as sufficient proof of age.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 144.45(5); 282.1, .3, .6.

Cross Reference:
501    Student Attendance
507.1    Student Health and Immunization Certificates

Approved June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:40

501.5 - Attendance Center Assignment

The board will have complete discretion to determine the boundaries for each attendance center and, to assign students to the attendance centers.

Parents or guardians of siblings in the same grade level academically in grades kindergarten through grade five may request the siblings be placed in the same or different classrooms. In order to be valid, the request must be made in writing and submitted to the school principal at the time of registration for classes, or within fourteen days after the children’s first day of attendance during the school year. If a valid request is received by the school principal, the request must be honored. While a parent or guardian may make a placement request that siblings be placed together or apart, the district administration retains complete discretion to select the classroom teacher(s) to which siblings are assigned. If after the initial grading period following the placement of siblings in the same or different classrooms the school principal determines the placement is disruptive to the class; the principal may assign one or more of the siblings to different classrooms.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board annually regarding the assigned attendance center for each student. In making the recommendation, the superintendent will consider the geographical layout of the school district, the condition and location of the school district facilities, the location of student population, possible transportation challenges, financial condition of the school district and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent or the board.

Note: The requirement for the school principals to honor valid placement requests in paragraph two is a new legal requirement effective July 1, 2019.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 279.11; 282.7-.8.

Cross Reference:
501 Student Attendance

Approved June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:41

501.6 - Student Transfers In

Students who transfer into the school district must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the school district.

The school district will request the student's cumulative records from the previous school district. If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, the superintendent will make the grade level determination. The superintendent may require testing or other information to determine the grade level. Students expelled or suspended from their previous school district will only be enrolled after approval of the board.

The superintendent will determine the amount of credits to be transferred. If the student has not previously attended an accredited school, it is within the superintendent's discretion to accept or reject credits or grades.

The board may deny admission if the student is not willing to provide the board with the necessary information.

NOTE: School districts do not need parental permission to request student records from previous school districts. The school district sending the records must notify the parents that the student's records have been sent.

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 1232g.
Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 282.1, .3, .4; 299A.

Cross Reference:
501    Student Attendance
505.3    Student Honors and Awards
507    Student Health and Well-Being
604.1    Competent Private Instruction

Approved June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:42

501.7 - Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals

If the student's parents wish to withdraw or transfer the student from school prior to completing and graduating from the education program, they should notify the superintendent in writing as soon as possible of the decision to withdraw or transfer the student from the education program. The student or parent should present this written notice at the office and receive instructions regarding the return of textbooks, library books, locker equipment, hot lunch tickets, etc.

The notice should state the student's final day of attendance. If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the school district will maintain the student's records in the same manner as the records of students who have graduated from the school district.

If the parents wish to have the student's cumulative record sent to the new school district, the parents must notify the building principal in writing. This notice will include the name of the school district and the person at the new school district to whom the student's cumulative records should be sent. If the new school district requests the student's cumulative records, the school district will forward the cumulative records and notify the parents the records have been sent. The notice will inform the parents of their right to review the records sent.

If the student is of compulsory education age and not transferring to another public school district or an accredited nonpublic school, the parents will notify the superintendent that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction reports.

NOTE: The third paragraph is a reflection of federal law regarding the forwarding of student records.

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 1232g.
Iowa Code §§ 274.1; 299.1-.1A; 299A.11

Cross Reference:
501    Student Attendance
506    Student Records
604.1    Competent Private Instruction

Approved June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:43

501.8 - Student Attendance Records

As part of the school district's records, the daily attendance of each student is recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records of the board secretary.

It is the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the board secretary, the custodian of school records.

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

Cross Reference:
501    Student Attendance
506    Student Records

Approved June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:43

501.9 - Student Absences Excused

Regular attendance by students 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.

Student absences approved by the principal are excused absences. Excused absences will count as days in attendance for purposes of the truancy law. These absences include, but are not limited to, [illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances, appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day and school-sponsored or approved activities].

The district believes that traditional, in-person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students. However, there may be rare and unusual circumstances created by public emergencies declared by state or local officials which temporarily prevent students from attending traditional, in-person school. In these circumstances, the superintendent will have discretion to make reasonable accommodations for students, on a case-by-case basis, to attend school through remote learning opportunities within the available resources of the district and as permitted by law. During approved remote learning, attendance will be taken, assessments may be administered, and grades will count towards students’ cumulative grade point average as if they were attending in person. The provision of special education and accommodations for students who have individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.

Students whose absences are approved will make up the work missed and receive full credit for the missed school work. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate a procedure with the student's teacher to complete the work missed.

Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend school the full day on the day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent.

It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the student's attendance center as soon as the parent knows the student will not be attending school on that day. The principal may request evidence or written verification of the student's reason for absence.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:
34 C.F.R. sec. 300
28 C.F.R. Pt. 35
Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).

Cross Reference:
501    Student Attendance
503    Student Discipline
504    Student Activities
506    Student Records

Approved June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:44

501.9E1 - Request for Remote Learning Form

REQUEST FOR REMOTE LEARNING FORM

Date: ________________

Student Name: ____________________________ Attendance Center: ______________________

Parent/Guardian: ___________________________

I, _________________________ (Parent/Guardian) am requesting accommodation for my child,__________________________(Student Name) to participate in remote learning opportunities for the duration of the declared public emergency, or until I have determined my child can safely return to traditional in-person learning at his/her designated attendance center, whichever occurs first.

I have attached to this form documentation from an Iowa Board of Medicine-licensed medical professional confirming that remote learning is medically necessary due to the vulnerable health condition of my child or of a family member residing within the same home as my child.

I understand that the district will do their utmost to accommodate my child’s learning needs, but that some learning opportunities may need to be modified in a remote environment. The provision of special education and accommodations for students who have individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.
I understand that in order for my child to continue to participate in mandatory learning, his/her remote attendance will be taken, assessments administered, and grades will be counted toward my child’s cumulative grade average. I understand that any devices, technology, or materials given to my child to facilitate remote learning are the property of the district and must be returned at the end of the remote learning period.

I am requesting that remote learning opportunities begin on ______________ (date) and continue until
[_____________(date) or the declared public emergency is dismissed].

(Parent/Guardian) ____________________________________

(Date) ________________

Request approved by: __________________________________ Superintendent
(Date) ________________

Note: This form is to be utilized by parents/guardians of a student who, during the course of a declared public emergency, believe that further attendance by the student at traditional in person school would be detrimental to the health or safety of the student or the student’s family member residing with the student. This form is not necessary when the school building is closed to traditional in person learning and remote learning opportunities are already available to students. It is only to be utilized during a public emergency declared by state or local officials when traditional in person learning continues to be held.

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:45

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 five 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.
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 June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:46

501.10R1 - Truancy - Unexcused Absences

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 student attendance records. 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.

Students who are absent without a reasonable excuse, as determined by the principal, will be assigned to detention, in-school suspension, or other appropriate disciplinary sanction. Reasonable excuses include illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances and school sponsored or approved activities. Reasonable excuses may also include family trips or vacations if the student's work is finished prior to the trip or vacation. Supervised study hall, detention, early bird school, Saturday school, in-school suspension, or other appropriate disciplinary sanction will be assigned on a two-for-one basis.

A student who is unexcused for one or more classes for less than a whole school day, will be assigned to detention, in-school suspension or other appropriate disciplinary sanction. If a student is unexcused for a whole day of classes, will be assigned one of the following discipline actions detention, in-school suspension or other appropriate disciplinary sanction. Parents are expected to telephone the school office to report a student's absence prior to 8:10 a.m. on the day of the absence. Students with unexcused absences may also be referred to the juvenile court liaison officer.

Students who have an excused absence from school or from a class will be given two school days to make up work for the first day of absent and one for each consecutive day of absence. 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 excused absence and will receive full credit for make-up work handed in on time. Students with an unexcused absence will not be given credit for work that was due or tests/quizzes that were given in a class for which the absence was unexcused. The teacher may still require the work be completed or the tests taken even though no credit will be given. Teachers will not have attendance or grading practices that are in conflict with this provision.

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:47

501.11 - Student Release During School Hours

Students will be allowed to leave the school district facilities during school hours only with prior authorization from their parents, unless the parent calls or appears personally at the student's attendance center to arrange for the release of the student during school hours, or with the permission of the principal.

Approved reasons for release of a student during the school day will include, but not be limited to, illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, religious instruction, classes outside the student's attendance center and other reasons determined appropriate by the principal.

Students in grades 9 to 12 may be allowed to leave the school district facilities when they are not scheduled to be in class. Students who violate school rules may have this privilege suspended.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

NOTE: This option should be used by school districts with closed campuses.

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

Cross Reference:
501    Student Attendance
503    Student Discipline
504    Student Activities
506    Student Records

Approved June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:48

501.12 - Pregnant Students

The board encourages pregnant students to continue to attend the education program as long as they are physically able to do so. The pregnant student may notify the principal or the guidance counselor as soon as she is aware of the pregnancy. The school may require that a pregnant student provide the principal with a written note from her doctor relative to special conditions that might exist and specific suggestions as to how long the student may continue to attend classes. If the student is unable to attend school because of her pregnancy, the student may be excused and arrangements made to continue her studies during her absence. The student will resume classes upon the recommendation of her physician.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 216; 279.8; 280.3.

Cross Reference:
501    Student Attendance
604.2    Individualized Instruction

Approved June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:49

501.13 - Students of Legal Age

Students who have attained legal age may continue the education program without payment of tuition as long as they are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and are residents of the school district.

Parents will be allowed to access and view the student's records without written permission from the student if the student is still a dependent for tax purposes. In most cases, with the discretion of the principal or the superintendent, the student will be able to make decisions and sign documents rather than requiring parental permission or signature.

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 1232g
Iowa Code §§ 22; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4; 599.1; 622.10.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

Cross Reference:
501    Student Attendance
506    Student Records

Approved June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:50

501.14 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a sending district. As a sending district, the board will allow resident students who meet the requirements to open enroll to another public school district.

Parents requesting open enrollment out of the school district for their student will notify the sending and receiving school district in accordance with district practice. The notice is made on forms provided by the Iowa Department of Education. The forms are available at the central administration office.

Parents of children who will begin kindergarten and prekindergarten children enrolled in special education programs and included in the district’s basic enrollment will file in the same manner set forth above.

The receiving district will approve or deny open enrollment requests according to the timelines established by law. The parents may withdraw the open enrollment request prior to the board’s approval of the application. The receiving district’s superintendent will notify the parents and sending school district by mail within five days of the school district’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.

An open enrollment request out of the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The determining factor for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the receiving school district is appropriate for the student's needs. The area education agency director of special education serving the receiving district will determine whether the program is appropriate. The special education student will remain in the school district until the final determination is made.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to maintain open enrollment request applications and notice forms. It will also be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

NOTE: This policy reflects Iowa's open enrollment law. The option addresses the issue of transportation of open enrolled students. The board needs to establish by policy whether it will or will not allow a receiving district to enter the district to pick up open enrolled students. This option is on the bottom of the first page of this policy. For more detailed discussion of this issue, see IASB's Policy Primer, June 24, 2005.

NOTE Because open enrollment requests can now occur throughout the year, there is no established date by which districts must make or communicate a decision. Receiving districts should make the decision whether to approve or deny the request as timely as is practical. Receiving districts should in turn make and communicate any determinations as soon as is practical.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1.

281 I.A.C. 17.

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance

Student Records

Approved June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised: September 18, 2023

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:51

501.15 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a receiving district. As a receiving district, the board will allow nonresident students, who meet the legal requirements, to open enroll into the school district. The board will have complete discretion to determine the attendance center of the students attending the school district under open enrollment.

The superintendent will approve within 30 days incoming kindergarten applications; good cause application; or continuation of an educational program application

The superintendent will notify the sending school district and parents within five days of the school district’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.

Open enrollment requests into the school district will not be approved if insufficient classroom space exists. Open enrollment requests into the school district will also not be approved for students who have been suspended or expelled by the administration or the board of the school district the student is or was attending until the student has been reinstated into the school district from which the student was suspended or expelled. Once the student is reinstated, the student's open enrollment request will be considered in the same manner as other open enrollment requests provided the required timelines are met.

Open enrollment requests into the school district that, if denied, would result in students from the same nuclear family being enrolled in different school districts, will be given highest priority. The board, in its discretion, may waive the insufficient classroom space reason for denial for students of the same nuclear family to prevent the division of a nuclear family between two school districts. Other open enrollment requests into the school district are considered in the order received by the school district with the first open enrollment request given a higher priority than the second open enrollment request and so forth.

Students in grades nine through twelve open enrolling into the school district will be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, in accordance with applicable law.

Parents of students whose open enrollment requests are approved by the (board or superintendent) are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement. The board will not approve transportation into the sending district.

An open enrollment request into the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The determining factors for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the school district is appropriate for the student's needs and whether the enrollment of the special education student will cause the class size to exceed the maximum allowed. The area education agency director of special education serving the school district will determine whether the program is appropriate. The special education student will remain in the sending district until the final determination is made. For children requiring special education, the receiving district will complete and provide to the resident district the documentation needed to seek Medicaid reimbursement for eligible services.

The policies of the school district will apply to students attending the school district under open enrollment.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

NOTE: This policy reflects Iowa's open enrollment law. The board needs to determine whether it will delegate authority to the superintendent to approve timely filed open enrollment requests. The 30 days for approval by the superintendent is a recommended practice intended to align with the general timeframe boards have to place a request on the next regular school board meeting agenda, and not a legal requirement. These applications should be timely handled as appropriate for the needs of the families and the district. This option is the first set of options on page one of the policy. There are three options available to the board:

∙ board retains all approval authority over requests.

∙ board delegates all approval authority over requests.

∙ board delegates only some approval authority over requests.

After the board makes its decision, the policy needs to be edited to reflect the board's decision.

The second option on page two addresses the issue of transportation of the receiving district to pick up open enrolled students. The board needs to establish by policy whether it will go into the sending district to pick up open enrolled students.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1.

281 I.A.C. 17.

Cross Reference: 501.6 Student Transfers In

501.7 Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals

501.14 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District

506 Student Records

507 Student Health and Well-Being

606.6 Insufficient Classroom Space

Approved June 20,2022 Reviewed Revised: September 18, 2023

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:53

501.16 - Homeless Children and Youth

The Creston Community School District believes all students should have access to a free, appropriate public education. The district will ensure that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as other children and youth.

The term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The term includes:

Children and youth who are:
- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (sometimes referred to as “doubled up”);
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters; or
Abandoned in hospitals.
Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

To help ensure that homeless children and youth have a full opportunity to enroll, attend, and succeed at school, the board shall:

Designate the District Designated Social Worker as the local homeless children and youth liaison;
Provide training opportunities for staff so staff may help identify and meet the needs of homeless children and youth;
Remove barriers, including those associated with fees, fines, and absences, to the identification, enrollment, retention, attendance and/or success in school for homeless children and youth;
Ensure collaboration and coordination with other service providers;
Ensure transportation is provided in accordance with legal requirements;
Provide school stability in school assignment according to the child’s best interests;
Ensure the privacy of student records, as provided by applicable law, including information about a homeless child or youth’s living situation;
Engage in the dispute resolution process for decisions relating to the educational placement of homeless children and youth as provided by applicable law; and
Prohibit the segregation of a homeless child or youth from other students enrolled in the district.

The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement this policy.

NOTE: This is a mandatory policy.

NOTE: The United States Department of Education and the Iowa Department of Education have additional information about implementation of the policy. For additional information, please visit:

The “Education Department Releases Guidance on Homeless Children and Youth” section of the United States Department of Education’s website, located at: http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/education-department-releases-gui….

The “Homeless Education” section of the Iowa Department of Education’s website, located at: https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/title-programs/title-x-part-c-homeles…

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 6301.
42 U.S.C. § 11302.
42 U.S.C. §§ 11431 et seq.
281 I.A.C. 33.

Cross Reference:
501    Student Attendance
503.3    Fines - Fees - Charges
506    Student Records
507.1    Student Health and Immunization Certificates
603.3    Special Education
711.1    Student School Transportation Eligibility

Approved June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised

Jen@iowaschool… Sat, 06/25/2022 - 13:55