New Iowa Law Means Kids Missing School Could Land Parents in Court & Fined

A recent change in Iowa's attendance laws is impacting families across the state, including those in the Western Dubuque School District, in fact an announcement from the school is how I first learned of this law change. This law change (Senate File 2435) tightens rules on how many days a student can miss before consequences come into play for both the student and their parents. Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand how this might affect you, your family, and your local schools.

What’s the New Iowa Law?

The state of Iowa has made it clear that consistent attendance in school is essential for students' success. The updated attendance policy uses a percentage-based system to track how many days a student has missed. Here’s how it works:

• 5% Missed Days: If a student misses 5% of school days, that’s about 9 days out of a typical 180-day school year. This is when the district might step in and send a notice to the parents, highlighting the importance of attending school regularly.
• 10% Missed Days: When a student reaches 18 missed days, or 10% of the school year, things get more serious. At this point, the school may request a meeting with the family to discuss ways to improve attendance and offer support.
• 15% Missed Days or More: If a student misses 27 days or more, they could be labeled as habitually truant. This is when the consequences for both the student and their parents escalate.

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What Is Truancy, Exactly?

Truancy is when a student misses too much school without a valid excuse. In my kids district of Western Dubuque, just like in other Iowa districts, truancy is taken seriously because it can affect a student’s ability to keep up with their studies, graduate on time, and build positive relationships. Some examples of what could count as an unexcused absence include:

• Skipping school without a reason
• Staying home for minor reasons (like mild headaches or non-medical issues)
• Repeated tardiness that results in missed class time

What Happens If Your Child Is Truant?

The new law means there are real consequences for truancy, which affect both the child and the parents.

For the student:

They might have to attend a hearing with the school administration to figure out a plan to improve attendance. In some cases, the student could face suspension or other disciplinary measures. This could affect their ability to participate in extracurricular activities, sports, or field trips.

For the parents:

Parents could face fines or even legal action. If a student is habitually truant, Iowa law allows the district to refer the case to the county attorney’s office, which could result in a court appearance for the parents. The family might be required to work with the school and possibly attend parenting or educational classes to ensure the child attends school regularly moving forward.

What Can Parents Do?

If you are a parent with kids in school, it’s important to understand this law and keep track of your child’s attendance. Communication is key. If your child has to miss school for a legitimate reason, be sure to notify the school immediately and provide any necessary documentation.

If your family is struggling with attendance issues due to transportation, illness, or other factors, don’t hesitate to reach out to the school and open up a line of communication. Most districts offer resources to help families overcome barriers to attendance. The new Iowa law is designed to ensure students are in school, learning, and thriving. The best way to avoid any issues with truancy is to stay informed, communicate with your child and their school, and avoid any of that potential legal trouble.