Dr. James Bieschke, Superintendent
As we complete a great first week of a new school year, I would like to inform you about some important updates to Iowa Code and student attendance. In response to recent changes in the Iowa Code (SF 2435) related to student absenteeism, truancy, and compulsory attendance, we are required to revise our district’s attendance policies to ensure full compliance with these new legal standards. Our primary objectives with these changes are to improve our procedures, provide parents and students with clearer guidelines, and reduce school absenteeism.
At Benton Community, we recognize that consistent school attendance is vital to your child’s academic success. When a student misses even a few hours of school, they lose valuable instruction and learning time that is essential for their future achievement. Many classroom activities, experiences, and discussions cannot be replicated through make-up work. Additionally, establishing a habit of regular attendance helps students develop crucial life skills, including persistence and responsibility that are necessary for success.
Key Changes to Attendance Policy:
Compulsory Attendance Law:
It is important to note that the changes listed below are not specific to Benton Community. This law now impacts the entire state and outlines the school, family, and county responsibilities. Students are required to attend for the full number of days or hours specified in the school calendar.
Requirements of the law per semester:
10% Absences/ 9 Days | Letter sent home & communication to County Attorney |
15% Absences/ 14 Days | Required Family Engagement Meeting at School |
20% Absences/ 18 Days | Referral to County Attorney |
Chronic Absenteeism:
Benton Community aligns with the state of Iowa and defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% of the days in a semester (approximately 9 days). If a student misses 10% or more of the school days in a semester, the school will communicate with the parent or guardian and notify the county attorney as required by law. No legal action will be taken at this time.
Truancy:
If a student’s absenteeism reaches 15% (approximately 14 days), the student and their parent/guardian will be required by Iowa Code to attend a School Engagement Meeting with school officials. During this meeting, an Absenteeism Prevention Plan will be developed to address and reduce further absences. This plan must be signed by the parent/guardian and a school representative. If the parent/guardian refuses to sign the Plan, the matter will be referred to the county attorney. After this meeting, parents/guardians will receive weekly updates on their child’s attendance for the remainder of the school year.
Benton Community aligns with the state of Iowa and defines truancy as missing 20% or more of the school days in a semester (approximately 18 days) at which time the student will be referred to the County Attorney.
Absence Types:
The new legislation does not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences; all absences count towards the total time missed and are factored into the 10%, 15%, and 20% absenteeism thresholds. This means that the notification and intervention process will be initiated when these thresholds are met, regardless of the reason for the absence.
Our district is committed to collaborating closely with families to address any concerns or challenges related to regular student attendance. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your student’s principal or school counselor. Additionally, we are hopeful that the early release schedule currently in place will provide students and parents the opportunity to connect with routine appointments without the student missing that valuable instructional time.
We know our students at Benton’s MS/HS have a variety of opportunities to engage in learning experiences outside of the classroom, such as FFA conventions, job shadows, and more. When students are absent due to attendance at a school sponsored activity, that day or those class periods count as if the student is present at school.
As with most new legislation, additional information around the implementation of the law will continue to be shared. We will continue to share information as it is made available.
At Benton Community, we take pride in providing students with a Quality Education for a LIfetime of Learning. It is crucial that we work together with families to ensure students are receiving this experience. Your ongoing support and partnership in your student’s education is a critical component of the success of each and every student and our school system. If you have questions, please feel free to contact your building principal or call me directly at our central office (319) 228-8701.