Iowa has introduced a new chronic absenteeism law requiring school districts to track students who miss 10% of a grading period. This means students in Sioux City can miss only a limited number of days—9 days for 10%, 13 days for 15%, and 20 days for 20% per semester. All absences count equally, with no distinction between excused and unexcused. If a student hits the 10% threshold, the district must report it to the county attorney. At 15%, an action plan is required, including weekly meetings with the family. Reaching 20% results in the student being classified as truant, triggering legal action. The policy aims to curb absenteeism, but it has created concern among school officials about managing these requirements.
https://www.ktiv.com/2024/09/16/under-new-absenteeism-policy-how-many-days-school-can-you-miss-iowa
