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 child 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 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.

Approved:  7-1-92              
Reviewed:  2-2-94,12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23

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 shall be 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 school 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.

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 in the school district 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 district 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.

Approved: 7-1-92         
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-058-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23

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 district 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 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 shall investigate the cause for a student's truancy. If the principal is unable to secure the truant student's attendance, the principal may refer the matter to the county attorney.

The school district will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney. The principal or superintendent shall represent the school district in mediation. The school district will monitor the student's compliance with the mediation agreement and report violations of the mediation agreement to the county attorney.

Approved: 11-11-98  
Reviewed:  01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15      
Revised:  12-14-98, 4-10-23

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 school district’s education program, the board shall require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence of age. 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.

Approved:  07-01-92             
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-94, 01-08-01, 11-10-01, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised: 4-10-23

The board shall 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.

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 will be considered and may be honored.  While a parent or guardian may make a placement request that siblings be placed together or apart, the school 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 shall be 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 shall consider the geographical condition 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.

Approved:  07-01-92             
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15        
Revised:  4-10-23

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 shall request the student's cumulative records from the previous school district.  If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, the principal will make the grade level determination. The principal 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 principal shall determine the amount of credits to be transferred.  If the student has not previously attended an accredited school, it is within the principal's discretion to accept or reject credits or grades.

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

Approved:  07-01-92             
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  01-05-96, 4-10-23

If the student's parents wish to withdraw or transfer the student from the school district prior to completing and graduating from the education program, they shall notify the principal 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 principal 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 shall 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 non-public school, the parents shall notify the principal that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction reports.

Approved:  7-1-92                            
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23

As part of the school district records of students, the daily attendance of each student shall be recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records of the board secretary.

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

Approved:  7-1-92     
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-26, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23

Regular attendance by the 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 shall attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.

Student absences approved by the principal shall be excused absences.  Excused absences shall count as days in attendance for purpose of the truancy law.  These absences include, but are not limited to: illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances, school district sponsored or approved activities, and parent excuses as approved by the administration.

The school 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 school 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 shall make up the work missed and receive full credit for the missed school work.  It shall be 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 the entire day the day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent.

It shall be 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 superintendent may request evidence or written verification of the student’s reason for absence. 

Approved:  11-11-1992         
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-8-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  12-12-94, 3-11-13, 4-10-23

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 shall 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 district calendar by the board.  Truancy is the act of being absent without a reasonable excuse.  These absences shall 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 shall be 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 shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.  The administrative regulations shall indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.

Approved:  11-11-91             
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15        
Revised:  7-1-92, 4-10-23

Students will be allowed to leave the school district facilities during their lunch period 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.  Seniors will be allowed to leave school district facilities during the day in compliance with the administrative rules adopted annually by the board.

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 by the superintendent.

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

Approved:  7-1-92                 
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-87-97, 01-08-01, 11-1-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23                                                      

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 district 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 the absence. The student shall resume classes upon the recommendation of her physician.

Approved:                  
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-0897, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23

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 with 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.

Approved:                  
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  07-01-92, 4-10-23

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a sending school district.  As a sending school 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 school 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 school district’s basic enrollment will file in the same manner set forth above.

The receiving school 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 the 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 school district to enter the school district for the purposes of transportation unless a reciprocal agreement has been approved. 

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.

Approved:  01-08-90             
Reviewed:  01-08-01, 1-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  09-20-05, 3-11-13, 4-10-23

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a receiving school district.  As a receiving school 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 applications, and 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 are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement unless the parents qualify for transportation assistance.  Upon a parent's request, the board may approve transportation into the sending school district.   The board's approval is subject to the sending school district's approval.

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 school district until the final determination is made.  For children requiring special education, the receiving school district will complete and provide to the resident school 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.

Approved:   01-08-90               
Reviewed:  11-13-00, 7-13-15               
Revised:  12-08-03, 9-14-09, 4-10-23

The  school district believes all students should have access to a free, appropriate public education. The school 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 counselor 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 school district.

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

Approved: 1/13/03
Reviewed: 11/1/03, 11/13/06, 2/10/10, 11/12/12, 7/13/15   
Revised: 9/20/05, 3/11/13, 12/12/16, 7-10-17, 4-10-23