August 12th, 2024

Iowa has implemented a new school attendance law, Senate File 2435, effective July 1, 2024, to tackle chronic absenteeism.

This law mandates stricter attendance policies and outlines measures to keep students engaged in their education. Public schools must now develop comprehensive attendance policies, partnering with county attorneys, truancy officers, and conducting engagement meetings. While there are exemptions at the student level, schools have the authority to make decisions based on individual circumstances. The goal of the law is to reduce chronic absenteeism, improve student outcomes, emphasize accurate attendance tracking, and intervention strategies.

Collaboration among schools, parents, county officials, and community organizations is encouraged to address the underlying causes of absenteeism and support students in staying on the right path.