501 - Student Attendance

501 - Student Attendance dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 10:50

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. However, 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 (1995).
1956 Op. Att'y Gen. 185.
1946 Op. Att'y Gen. 197.
1938 Op. Att'y Gen. 69.
1930 Op. Att'y Gen. 147.

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance

Approved: 07/10/89
Reviewed: 11/15/21
Revised: __________________

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 10:50

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 the school district may be permitted to attend without the payment of tuition at the discretion of the superintendent and approval of the board. Students who plan to open enroll to the nonresident district may complete the school year without approval of the superintendent or board. These students, other than students in grades eleven and twelve, must have the recommendation of the principal, as well as an adult who resides in the school district, identified for purposes of administration.

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 must have 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 the third Friday in September may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.

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, .24 (2003).

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance

Approved   4/11/05
Reviewed 11/15/21
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 10:52

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, shall have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board. Students shall attend school the number of hours school is in session in accordance with the school calendar. Students of compulsory attendance age shall attend school a minimum of 1080 hours. Students not attending the minimum hours must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, for students in grades 7-12, referred to the county attorney or, for students in grades K-6, referred to the Attendance Cooperation process. 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; 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 shall 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, the principal shall refer the matter over to the county attorney for students in grades 7-12. Truant students who have not yet completed sixth grade will be subject to the Attendance Cooperation Process outlined in the supporting administrative regulation.

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

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 239.5B; 259A; 279.10-.11; ch. 299.1; 299A (1997).
441 I.A.C. 41.25(8).
1978 Op. Att'y. Gen. 379.

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

Approved:   07/10/89
Reviewed: 11/15/21
Revised:   11/9/09

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 10:53

501.3R1 - Attendance Cooperation Process

When it is determined that a student in grades K-6 is in violation of the school district attendance policy and procedures, the principal will check the Department of Human Services records to determine whether the student’s family is receiving Family Investment Program (FIP) benefits. If the student’s family is receiving FIP benefits, the principal will notify DHS. DHS is then responsible for the ACP.

If the student’s family is not receiving FIP benefits, the principal will initiate the ACP. The parents will be contacted to participate in the ACP. The principal may also invite juvenile court officers, the county attorney, other school officials and others deemed appropriate. If others are invited who don’t have access to the student’s records either by law or a Juvenile Justice Agency Information Sharing Agreement, parental consent is needed for them to participate in the ACP.

The purpose of the ACP is to determine the cause of the student’s nonattendance, get the parties to agree to solutions addressing the nonattendance and initiate referrals to any other services that may be necessary. The agreement is then written. The agreement is to include all terms agreed to and future responsibilities of all parties. All parties must sign the agreement and failure to sign by the parents is considered a violation of the process and initiates the next level.

If the parents do not participate in the ACP, if the parties do not enter into an ACA or if the parents violate a term of the agreement, the student is deemed truant. For FIP students and non-FIP students, the school district notifies the county attorney when students are truant. When a student is deemed truant, for FIP students, DHS is again notified and DHS then initiates the process whereby FIP benefits are reduced.

Approved    4/11/05
Reviewed 11/15/21
Revised   11/09/09

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 10:54

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.

The board shall require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence before the student may enroll in the school district's education program. It shall be 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 the superintendent shall be reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 282.1, .3, .6 (1995).
1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 258.

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

Approved: 7/10/95
Reviewed: 11/15/21
Revised: 11/3/15

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 10:56

501.5 - Attendance Center Assignment

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

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 difficulties, financial condition of the school district and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent or the board.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.11; 282.7-.8 (2003).

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance

Approved    4/11/05
Reviewed 11/15/21
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 10:57

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 reserves the right to deny admission to any nonresident student unless the student is complying with open enrollment procedures.

The school district shall 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.

The superintendent shall 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.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1988).
Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 282.1, .3; 299A (1995).

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

Approved: 12/13/93
Reviewed: 11/15/21
Revised:

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:02

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 shall 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 shall state the student's final day of attendance. If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the school district shall 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 shall notify the superintendent in writing. This notice shall 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 shall 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 shall notify the superintendent that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction reports.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1988).
Iowa Code §§ 274.1; 299.1-.1A (1995).

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

Approved: 8/14/95
Reviewed:    11/15/21
Revised:

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:03

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 (2003).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
506 Student Records

Approved: 8/14/95
Reviewed:   11/15/21
Revised:

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:04

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 full day 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 08/24/2020
Reviewed 11/15/21
Revised__________________

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:05

501.9E1 - Request for 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: __________________________________ (School official) _____________________

(Date) ________________

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:06

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, any absence which does not meet criteria of an excused absence, tardiness to class past 15 minutes, car trouble, over sleeping, shopping, hunting, haircuts, concerts, preparation or participation in parties or other celebrations, employment, skipping, senior skip day, senior pictures, and notes simply marked “appointment” or “personal business”. 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 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 (2003).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference: 206.3 Secretary
410.5 Truancy Officer
501 Student Attendance
503 Student Discipline
504 Student Activities
506 Student Records

Approved 4/11/05
Reviewed 11/15/21
Revised 7/19/11

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:07

501.10R1 - Truancy - Unexcused Absence Regulation

I. General Attendance Policy

A. Policy Statement - 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 their 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 program of instruction, students should not expect to be absent any more than is absolutely necessary. Irregular attendance or tardiness by students not only retards 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.

B. Absences

a. Personal illness or serious health condition. Medical documentation required. It is the student’s responsibility to provide such written verification.

b. Funeral, death or emergency illness in the family.

c. Doctor/dental appointment which cannot be scheduled at another time. Students may be asked to submit medical documentation to the office to verify appointment.

d. Documented legal appointments (Court appearance, visits to probation officer).

e. Family/Religious activity which is cleared in advance of activity (schoolwork must be completed in advance of absence).

f. School-Sponsored activity

Absences caused by school-sponsored activities (field trips, athletic events, school arranged college visits, etc.) will not be recorded as an absence on the permanent
record card. Make-up work will fall under the same category as an excused absence.
Suspension

Unique circumstances as approved by administration.

School work missed because of excused absences must be made up within the number of days absent, plus one day. The time allowed for make-up work may be extended at the discretion of the classroom teacher.

C. Tardiness

1. A student is tardy when the student initially appears in the assigned area any time after the designated starting time. After 15 minutes, the student will be counted as absent for that period.

2. All incidents of class tardiness will be the responsibility of the teacher except for tardiness to school first period which goes through administration. Teachers will emphasize the importance of being on time and explain the classroom rules and procedures for tardies. The tardy sanctions should be consistently applied and sequential. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, warning, assigned detention, parent contact and referral to the principal.

D. Truancy

1. A student is truant when the student is absent from school or an assigned class or classes without school permission.

2. Work missed because of truancy must be made up the same as work for all other absences.

3. Incidents of truancy will be recorded as part of a student's attendance record and will count toward the absences per semester. The principal will also determine what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate including, but not limited to, warning, detention, in-school suspension or administrative referral.

II. Excessive Absenteeism

Excessive absenteeism is any absence beyond 7 days or individual class meetings per semester.

A. When a student has been unexcused from school or a class for the 3rd, 5th, or 7th time during a given semester, the student's parent will be contacted via telephone or mail regarding the student's attendance. The building administrator will initiate the notification process and initiate appropriate sanctions.

III. Application of Sanctions

A. Excessive absences will result in the following:

1. If a student is unexcused absent 7 days from any given class, the student will be dropped from that class. The student will receive no credit for the class.

2. If a student is unexcused absent 7 days in 3 or more individual classes, the student will be dropped from the regular school program and referred to principal pursuant to the district's plan for at-risk students.

IV. Appeals

A. First level of appeal

1. When notified that the student has missed 3 (days or class periods), the parent should contact the teacher and principal to discuss the student's attendance and prevent any further unexcused absences.

2. When notified that the student has exceeded 7 unexcused absences and that the student will be dropped from a class or school, the student and parent may file a written appeal with the principal within 3 school days of the notification. Sanctions imposed under this policy will be final unless a written appeal is submitted to the principal.

3. The student will remain in the class or in school pending completion of the appeals process.

4. The informal appeals hearing will be scheduled within 5 school days after the appeal is filed.

The principal will consider the following in reaching a decision:

a. absences caused by family/religious activity, documented chronic or extended illness, hospitalization, family death or emergency, medical or dental care which could not be scheduled at another time, court appearances or other legal situations beyond the control

of the family, school-related class or program activities approved by administration, suspensions;

b. attendance history of the student;

c. extenuating circumstances particular to the student;

d. educational alternatives to removal from class or school; or

e. the total educational program for the individual student.

5. The decision of the principal will be reached within one day of the hearing. The parent will be notified of the decision in writing.

B. Second Level of Appeal

Students and parents seeking a review of the principal’s decision regarding sanctions rendered under this attendance policy may do so by filing a written request for review with the superintendent within five days after the principal’s decision. The superintendent will determine an agreeable time, place and date for the review and notify the student and parent. At the conclusion of the review, the superintendent will affirm, reverse or modify the principal’s decision.

C. Appeal to Board of Directors

Students and parents may appeal the superintendent's decision by filing a written request for review by the board within five days with the board secretary. It is within the discretion of the board to determine whether to hear the appeal. If the appeal is accepted, the board secretary will determine an agreeable time, place and date for the review and notify the interested persons. At the conclusion of the review, the board may affirm, reverse or modify the superintendent's decision.

Approved 4/11/05
Reviewed 11/15/21
Revised 7/19/11

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:08

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 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 shall include, but not be limited to: illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, religious instruction, classes outside the student's attendance center, employment for which the student has been issued a work permit, and other reasons determined appropriate by the principal.

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

Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 294.4 (1995).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

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

Approved:   8/14/95
Reviewed:   11/15/21
Revised:________

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:12

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 (2003).

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
604.2 Individualized Instruction

Approved   4/11/05
Reviewed   11/15/21
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:14

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 (1988).
Iowa Code §§ 22; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4; 599.1; 622.10 (1995).
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
506 Student Records

Approved: 8/14/95
Reviewed: 11/15/21
Revised:

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:15

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.

The board will not approve a student's request to allow the receiving district to enter the school district for the purposes of transportation.

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.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1.
281 I.A.C. 17.

Cross References 501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District

Approved 04/11/05
Reviewed 11/15/21, 10/11/22
Revised 11/15/21, 10/11/22

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:16

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 take action on the open enrollment request at the next regular board meeting.

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 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.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1.
281 I.A.C. 17.

Cross References 501.6 Student Transfers In
501.7 Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals
501.14 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District
606.6 Insufficient Classroom Space

Approved     11/11/05
Reviewed     11/15/21, 10/11/22
Revised     11/15/21, 10/11/22

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:19

501.16 - Homeless Children and Youth

The board will make reasonable efforts to identify homeless children and youth of school age within the district, encourage their enrollment and eliminate existing barriers to their receiving an education which may exist in district policies or practices. The designated coordinator for identification of homeless children and for tracking and monitoring programs and activities for these children is the Guidance Counselor.

Legal Reference: No Child Left Behind, Title X, Sec. 722, P.L. 107-110 (2002).
42 U.S.C. §§ 11431 et seq. (1994).
281 I.A.C. 33 (2003).

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   4/11/05
Reviewed 11/15/21
Revised      11/11/13

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:22