Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy
Senate File 2435, 277, and House File 870 are state laws relating to attendance, chronic absenteeism and truancy. As a result of these laws, our school board has adopted attendance policies 501.3, 501.9, 501.9R1 and 501.9R2. View board policies today.
We believe traditional, in-person attendance leads to the best learning opportunities. Students who are present and engaged active learners take greater ownership over their education. Our priority is to foster daily attendance throughout the school year and reduce barriers for all students.
Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy Defined
SF 2435 and SF 277 are separate from our current system of excused and unexcused absences, which is still in effect. The law defines chronic absenteeism as any absence from school for more than 10% of school days, while truancy means being absent from school for at least 20% of school days, in the first quarter and in each quarter thereafter as indicated by the JCSD Academic Calendar.
Exceptions Include Students Who:
- Completed requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma
- Are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction.
- Are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge
- Has a plan under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. §794, that affects the child’s attendance
- Are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons
- Has an individualized education program that affects the child’s attendance
- 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
- Are participating in or preparing for military service
- Are traveling to a wedding or funeral
Actions Required by Law and Board Policy
When student is absent from school more than 10% of school days:
- An email notification will be sent home
- A Building Absenteeism Prevention Plan will be developed with parent/guardians
When a student is absent from school for more than 15% of school days:
- A District Absenteeism Prevention Plan will be developed as part of a meeting with parents/guardian, students, and a school administrator.
- Weekly monitoring of attendance begins
When a student is absent from school more than 20% of school days or does not abide by the absenteeism prevention plan
- A referral to truancy court occurs (Polk County Attorney)
- Continued open enrollment may be denied
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian 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.
How Chronic Absenteeism/Truancy is Calculated 2025-26
(All partial days below are rounded up to a full day)
First Quarter
| 10% Absence
15% Absence 20% Absence |
5 Days
7 Days 9 Days |
Second Quarter
| 10% Absence
15% Absence 20% Absence |
9 Days
14 Days 18 Days |
Third Quarter
| 10% Absence
15% Absence 20% Absence |
13 Days
20 Days 26 Days |
Fourth Quarter
| 10% Absence
15% Absence 20% Absence |
17 Days
26 Days 34 Days |
How days are determined for chronic absenteeism?
Only whole/half day absences are used to calculate Chronic Absenteeism/Truancy:
- If gone between ⅓ and ⅔ of the day, you are counted half day absent
- If gone more than ⅔ of the day, you are counted a full day absent
Excused Absence: If a parent calls a student in as absent due to illness or a medical appointment, the student is marked excused for the purpose of participating in activities and athletics. While documentation is not required at this point in time, it may become necessary to appropriately exempt the absence from chronic absenteeism/truancy decisions. This is why we are requesting documentation for illnesses or appointments as they occur.
This documentation can be provided by:
- Uploading a note to Infinite Campus
- Attach the doctor’s note in an email to the Attendance Office
- Bring the note to the Attendance Office in person
- Verbal communication/meeting with a building level administrator
Chronic Absenteeism/Truancy Exemption:Once a student has reached the threshold for chronic absenteeism and truancy measures, appropriate documentation will allow the absence to be considered for exemption in chronic absenteeism/truancy calculations as defined in the law and board policy.
Ongoing Medical Appointments:If the student participates in ongoing appointments with a medical professional, the professional can run a report with upcoming appointments, or the parent can share a screenshot or copy of the appointment confirmation. The school can use that information as documentation for the chronic absenteeism/truancy exemptions, as well.
Five Or More Days of Illness: Board Policy 501.9R1 outlines that five or more continuous days of absence due to illness requires a doctor’s note. A principal may also excuse absences per this policy.
Please reach out to building administration if you have additional questions. We value your partnership as we continue to implement the state’s attendance laws.
