501 - Student Attendance

501 - Student Attendance dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 06:11

501.1 - Resident Students

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. However, a student 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 the purpose of 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.

Legal Reference:  Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School, 334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).
                                     Mt. Hope School Dist. v. Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924).
                                     Oshel v. Creston Comm. School Dist., DPI Admin. Doc. 570 (1981).
                                     33 D.P.I. Dec. Rule 80 (1984).
                                     Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4 (2001).
                                     1956 Op. Att'y Gen. 185.
                                     1946 Op. Att'y Gen. 197.
                                     1938 Op. Att'y Gen. 69.
                                     1930 Op. Att'y Gen. 147.

Cross Reference: 102 School District Instructional Organization
501 Student Attendance

Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-21-11; 05-11-16
Revised 01-19-04

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 07:28

501.2 - Nonresident Students

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 is the current per-pupil cost of the school district as computed by the board secretary-treasurer 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 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, as well as an adult who resides in the school district, identified for purposes of administration.

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 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 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.

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance

Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-21-11; 05-11-16
Revised 01-19-04

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 07:27

501.3 - Compulsory Attendance

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, will have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board. Students will attend school the number of days school is in session in accordance with the school calendar. Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of 175 days. Students not attending the minimum days 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 will investigate the cause for a student's truancy. If the principal is unable to secure the truant student's attendance, the principal should discuss the next step with the school board. If after school board action, the student is still truant, the principal will refer the matter over to the county attorney.

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

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 239.5B; 259A; 279.10-.11; ch. 299; 299A (2001).
441 I.A.C. 41.25(8).
1978 Op. Att'y. Gen. 379.

Cross Reference: 501       Student Attendance
                                     601.1    School Calendar
                                     604.1    Competent Private Instruction

Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 11-18-91; 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-21-11; 05-11-16
Revised 12-16-91; 01-19-04

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 07:25

501.3R1 - Attendance Cooperation Process

When it is determined that a student in grades K-6 is in violation of the school district attendance policy and procedures, the principal will check the Department of Human Services records to determine whether the student’s family is receiving Family Investment Program (FIP) benefits. If the student’s family is receiving FIP benefits, the principal will notify DHS. DHS is then responsible for the ACP.

If the student’s family is not receiving FIP benefits, the principal will initiate the ACP. The parents will be contacted to participate in the ACP. The principal may also invite juvenile court officers, the county attorney, other school officials and others deemed appropriate. If others are invited who don’t have access to the student’s records either by law or a Juvenile Justice Agency Information Sharing Agreement, parental consent is needed for them to participate in the ACP.

The purpose of the ACP is to determine the cause of the student’s nonattendance, get the parties to agree to solutions addressing the nonattendance and initiate referrals to any other services that may be necessary. The agreement is then written. The agreement is to include all terms agreed to and future responsibilities of all parties. All parties must sign the agreement and failure to sign by the parents is considered a violation of the process and initiates the next level.

If the parents do not participate in the ACP, if the parties do not enter into an ACA or if the parents violate a term of the agreement, the student is deemed truant. For FIP students and non-FIP students, the school district notifies the county attorney when students are truant. When a student is deemed truant, for FIP students, DHS is again notified and DHS then initiates the process whereby FIP benefits are reduced.

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 07:26

501.4 - Entrance - Admissions

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.

To enter the school’s four year old Pre-School program the student must be age four (4) on or prior to September 15 with no tuition charged. To enter the school’s three year old Pre-school program the student must be three (3) on or prior to September 15. Tuition will be charged for the three year old program.

The board will require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence before the student may enroll in the school district's education program. It is 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 is reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 282.1, .3, .6 (2001).
1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 258.

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
507.1 Student Health and Immunization Certificates

Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-21-11; 05-11-16
Revised 01-19-04; 02-18-08; 12-19-11

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 07:23

501.5 - Attendance Center Assignment

The board will 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.

It is 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 will consider the geographical layout 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.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.11; 282.7-.8 (2001).

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance

Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-14-11; 05-11-16
Revised 01-19-04

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 07:22

501.6 - Student Transfers In

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

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

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1994).
Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 282.1, .3, .4; 299A (2001).

Cross Reference: 501       Student Attendance
                                     505.4    Student Honors and Awards
                                     507       Student Health and Well-Being
                                     604.1    Competent Private Instruction

Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 11-15-93; 05-15-95; 11-20-95; 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-21-11; 05-11-16
Revised 12-20-93; 06–12-95; 12-18-95; 01-19-04

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 07:20

501.7 - Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals

If the student's parents wish to withdraw or transfer the student from school prior to completing and graduating from the education program, they will notify the superintendent 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 will state the student's final day of attendance. If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the school district will 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 will notify the superintendent in writing. This notice will 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 will forward the cumulative records and notify the parents the records have been sent. The notice will 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 nonpublic school, the parents will notify the superintendent that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction reports.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1994).
Iowa Code §§ 274.1; 299.1-.1A (2001).

Cross Reference: 501       Student Attendance
                                     506       Student Records
                                     604.1    Competent Private Instruction

Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-21-11; 05-11-16
Revised 01-19-04

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 07:08

501.8 - Student Attendance Records

As part of the school district's records, the daily attendance of each student is recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records of the board secretary-treasurer.

It is the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the board secretary-treasurer, the custodian of school records.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (2001).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
506 Student Records

Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-21-11; 05-11-16
Revised 01-19-04

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 06:19

501.9 - Student Absences - Excused

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

Student absences approved by the principal are excused absences. Excused absences will count as days in attendance for purposes of the truancy law. These absences include, but are not limited to, illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances, appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day and school-sponsored or approved activities.

Students whose absences are approved will make up the work missed and receive full credit for the missed school work. It is 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 school the last half of the day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent.

It is 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 principal may request evidence or written verification of the student's reason for absence.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (2001).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference: 501       Student Attendance
                                     503       Student Discipline
                                     504       Student Activities
                                     506       Student Records

Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 11-18-91; 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-21-11; 05-11-16
Revised 12-16-91; 01-19-04

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 06:17

501.10 - Truancy - Unexcused Absences

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 will 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 calendar by the board. Truancy is the act of being absent without a reasonable excuse. Truancy will not be tolerated by the board.

Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion. It is 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 a suspension unless the goals and objectives of the student's Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. The administrative regulations will indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (2001).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference: 206.3    Secretary
                                     410.5    Truancy Officer
                                     501       Student Attendance
                                     503       Student Discipline
                                     504       Student Activities
                                     506       Student Records

Approved 07-18-90
Reviewed 11-18-91; 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-21-11; 05-11-16
Revised 12-16-91; 01-19-04

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 06:14

501.10R1 - Truancy - Unexcused Absence Regulation

Daily, punctual attendance is an integral part of the learning experience and is required of all students to receive the maximum benefit of the educational program. The habit of good attendance established early is one which helps a person be successful throughout his or her lifetime. More and more, employers, colleges and vocational schools expect good attendance and are checking attendance records for absences and tardies. They are aware that good and prompt attendance indicates dependability in a student.

The education that goes on in the classroom builds from day to day and as a result, absences always cause some disruption in the educational progress of the absent student. Students who are absent may not understand what the teacher is currently presenting, and may also become discouraged with the double burden of keeping current and making up missed work. In order to maintain interest and understanding in the instructional program, students should not expect to be absent any more than is absolutely necessary. Irregular attendance or tardiness by students not only retards their own studies, but also interferes with the progress of those students who are regular and prompt in attendance. Attendance is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation and communication among students, parents and school.

Students who are absent without a reasonable excuse, as determined by the principal, will be assigned to detention, in-school suspension, or other appropriate disciplinary sanctions. Reasonable excuses include illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances and school sponsored or approved activities. Reasonable excuses may also include family trips or vacations if the student's work is finished prior to the trip or vacation.

In the event the student has not completed all of the student’s assignments while in detention or in-school suspension, the student will remain in detention or in-school suspension until caught up in every class.

School work missed because of absences must be made up within two times the number of days absent, not to exceed ten (10) days. The time allowed for make-up work may be extended at the discretion of the classroom teacher.

Students will be allowed to make up all work missed due to any absence and will receive full credit for make-up work handed in on time. Teachers will not have attendance or grading practices that are in conflict with this provision.

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 06:15

501.11 - Student Release During School Hours

Students will be allowed to leave the school district facilities during school hours 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.

Approved reasons for release of a student during the school day will 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 appropriate by the principal.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 294.4 (2001).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-21-11; 05-11-16
Revised 01-19-04

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 07:19

501.12 - Pregnant Students

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

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 216; 279.8; 280.3 (2001).

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
604.2 Individualized Instruction

Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-21-11; 05-11-16
Revised 01-19-04

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 07:18

501.13 - Students of Legal Age

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 without 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.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1994).
Iowa Code §§ 22; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4; 599.1; 622.10 (2001).
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
506 Student Records

Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-21-11; 05-11-16
Revised 01-19-04

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 07:17

501.14 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a sending district. As a sending 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 school district no later than March 1 in the school year preceding the first year desired for open enrollment. The notice is made on forms provided by the Department of Education. The forms are available at the central administration office.

Parents of children who will begin kindergarten in the school district are exempt from the open enrollment March 1 deadline. Parents of children who will begin kindergarten will file in the same manner set forth above by September 1. Parents who have good cause as defined by law for failing to meet the March 1 deadline may make an open enrollment request in the same manner set forth above.

The receiving district will approve open enrollment requests according to the timelines established by law. The parents may withdraw the open enrollment request prior to the start of the school year. The receiving district’s superintendent will notify the parents and sending school district by mail within 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 district to enter the school district for the purposes of transportation.

The board will approve all other open enrollment requests according to the timelines established by law. The parents may withdraw the open enrollment request prior to the start of the school year. The superintendent will notify the parents by mail within three days of the board’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request. Approved open enrollment requests are transmitted by the superintendent to the receiving district within five days after the board’s action on the open enrollment request.

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.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1 (2001).
281 I.A.C. 17.
1990 Op. Att'y Gen. 75.

Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
506 Student Records

Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 04-20-92; 09-19-94; 05-20-96; 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-21-11; 05-11-16
Revised 05-18-92; 10-17-94; 06-18-96; 01-19-04

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 07:12

501.15 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures As a Receiving District

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a receiving district. As a receiving 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 board will take action on the open enrollment request no later than March 1 in the year preceding the first year desired for open enrollment.

The superintendent will notify the sending school district within five days of the board’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request. The superintendent will notify the parents within fifteen days of the board’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request. The superintendent will also forward a copy of the board’s action with a copy of the open enrollment request to the Iowa Department of Education.

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.

Generally, students in grades ten through twelve open enrolling into the school district will not be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics during the first ninety days of open enrollment into the school district.

Parents of students whose open enrollment requests are approved by the board are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement. The board will not approve transportation into the sending district.

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 district until the final determination is made.

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.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1 (2001).
281 I.A.C. 17.
1990 Op. Att'y Gen. 75.

Cross Reference: 501.6    Student Transfers In
                                     501.7    Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals
                                     501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District
                                     506       Student Records
                                     507       Student Health and Well-Being
                                     606.9    Insufficient Classroom Space

Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 04-20-92; 05-20-96; 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-21-11; 05-11-16
Revised 05-18-92; 06-18-96; 01-19-04

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 07:10

501.16 - Homeless Children and Youth

The board will make reasonable efforts to identify homeless children and youth of school age within the district, encourage their enrollment and eliminate existing barriers to their receiving an education which may exist in district policies or practices. The designated coordinator for identification of homeless children and for tracking and monitoring programs and activities for these children is the school guidance counselor.

A homeless child is defined as a child or youth between the ages of 3 and 21 who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence and includes a child or youth who is living on the street, in a car, tent, or abandoned building or some other form of shelter not designed as a permanent home; who is living in a community shelter facility; or who is living with non-nuclear family members or with friends, who may or may not have legal guardianship over the child or youth of school age.

So that enrollment of homeless children and youth of school age may be facilitated, the following policy areas are modified as follows:

School Records: For students transferring out of the district, records may be provided directly to the student or the student's parents. In addition, students transferring into the school district may provide cumulative records directly to the district. The school district will not require that such records be forwarded from another school district before that student may enroll. The school will then request the official records from the previous school.

Immunization Requirements: Homeless students will not be denied enrollment for lack of immunization records if:

1. They have a statement signed by a physician stating that immunization would be injurious to the student;

2. They provide an affidavit stating such immunization would conflict with their religious beliefs;

3. They are in the process of being immunized; or

4. They are a transfer student from another school.

The school district will make a reasonable effort to locate immunization records from the information provided or will arrange for the student to receive immunizations.

Waiver of Fees and Charges: Fees and charges which may present a barrier to the enrollment or transfer of a homeless child or youth may be waived in the discretion of the superintendent.

Enrollment Requirements/Placement: Enrollment requirements which may constitute a barrier to the education of the homeless child or youth may be waived in the discretion of the superintendent. If the school district is unable to determine the grade level of the student because of missing or incomplete records, the school district will administer tests or utilize other reasonable means to determine the appropriate grade level for the child.

Residency: For purposes of a homeless child or youth, residence for the purpose of attending school is where the child actually resides or the child's school district of origin. A child's school district of origin is the school district where the child was last enrolled. The deciding factor is the welfare of the child. As much as possible, the child will not be required to change attendance centers within the school district every time the child changes residence unless that change results in the child no longer being classified as homeless.

Transportation: Policies or practices regarding transportation of students which might cause a barrier to the attendance of a homeless child or youth may be waived by the superintendent.

Special Services: All services which are available to resident students are made available to homeless children or youths enrolled in the school district. Services include special education, talented and gifted programs, vocational education, English as a second language programs, health services and food and nutrition programs.

The contents of this policy will supersede any and all conflicting provisions in board policies dealing with the seven policy areas discussed above.

Legal Reference: 42 U.S.C. §§ 11431 et seq. (1994).
281 I.A.C. 33.

Cross Reference: 501       Student Attendance
                                     503.3    Fines - Fees - Charges
                                     506       Student Records
                                     507.1    Student Health and Immunization Certificates
                                     603.3    Special Education
                                     711.1    Student School Transportation Eligibility

Approved 02-18-93
Reviewed 12-15-03; 01-21-08; 11-21-11; 05-20-14; 05-11-16
Revised 01-19-04; 06-17-14

dawn.gibson.cm… Wed, 08/23/2023 - 06:11