New school attendance policy follows Iowa Code

Nodaway Valley Community Schools administrators say that new wrinkles in the district’s attendance policy for students is mostly paying off. Students, as a whole, are attending school at a higher rate.

While the formality of the school board approving a new attendance policy hasn’t happened yet, new state-required steps to reduce absenteeism are already being followed, as reflected in the student handbook.

The school board met Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the middle school in Fontanelle.

“Students are expected to be in class and to make attendance a top priority. Only through attendance and class participation do students achieve the benefits of the education program,” the school handbook reads. “Participating in class discussion, developing and appreciation for the views and abilities of other students, and forming the habit of regular attendance are legitimate class objectives. Regular attendance and preparation for class helps students in school as well as prepares them for future education experiences.”

Nodaway Valley High School Principal Gerry Miller told the board the new attendance policy is part of Iowa Code.

When a student has eight unexcused absences, a letter will be received letting the family know their child is chronically absent.

If a student misses 12 days, they’re required to have an engagement meeting between the school, student and parent.

If a student reaches truancy after 15 days of unexcused absence, a meeting is held with the county attorney.

In other action, the school board:

• Heard presentations from Lori Sue Shilling regarding recent homecoming changes and House District 23 candidate Karen Varley regarding her candidacy

• Approved Alexis Dugan as an elementary para; Brett Welsch as girls and boys track coach; Paul Honnold and Ben Breheny as middle school wrestling coaches; and Michelle Carns and Lisa Rardin as co-prom sponsors, as well as a resignation of Chase Green as boys track coach

• Approved Joe Strode and Brett Groves as volunteer wrestling coaches

• Approved an application for modified allowable growth and supplemental aid for special education deficit in the amount of $445,437.64

• Approved mid-year graduates

• Approved a series of board policies

• Approved a joint representation waiver

• Discussed the construction project, Orient-Macksburg sharing and a recent IASB workshop