Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF302

Introduced
2/15/23  
Introduced
2/15/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to student chronic absenteeism in open enrollment and including applicability provisions.

Impact

The implementation of SF302 signifies a potential shift in how school districts can enforce attendance standards. By enabling schools to revoke open enrollment under conditions of chronic absenteeism, the bill could lead to decreased absentee rates, incentivizing both students and parents to prioritize regular school attendance. The notable requirement of written notice and attempts to remedy the situation highlights the bill's aim to balance enforcement with consideration for family circumstances. This legislative change directly impacts the operational procedures of school districts, compelling them to take more proactive roles in monitoring attendance and addressing absenteeism issues.

Summary

Senate File 302 addresses the issue of chronic absenteeism within the context of open enrollment in Iowa's education system. The bill allows receiving school districts to revoke a pupil's open enrollment status if the pupil exhibits chronic absenteeism after appropriate notice and efforts to mitigate the absences. Specifically, chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school days across two consecutive grading periods, with each period lasting at least nine weeks. This legislation aims to enforce accountability among students and parents regarding attendance, while enabling school districts to manage enrollments more effectively.

Contention

While proponents argue that this bill could lead to improved educational outcomes by reducing absenteeism, there are concerns regarding its implementation. Critics may see the revocation policy as potentially punitive, especially for students facing challenges that contribute to their absenteeism, such as health issues or familial obligations. Additional contention may arise from discussions about the adequacy of resources available for schools to effectively communicate with families and support students struggling with attendance. Overall, the bill will likely prompt debates about balancing attendance enforcement with the need for supportive measures in education.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF2351

A bill for an act relating to the open enrollment of pupils who are truant or chronically absent, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SF 2116.)

IA SF2116

A bill for an act relating to open enrollment, including by modifying provisions related to the open enrollment of pupils who are truant or chronically absent and children receiving educational instruction and course content delivered primarily over the internet, and including applicability provisions.(See SF 2351.)

IA HB4656

Relating to chronic absenteeism

IA HSB557

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to English learner participation in open enrollment and including applicability provisions.(See HF 2363.)

IA SF91

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the determination of school enrollment, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HF810

A bill for an act relating to granting supplemental aid or a modified supplemental amount for school districts with high open enrollments, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HF2363

A bill for an act relating to English learners, including by modifying provisions related to open enrollment and the payment of costs incurred in transporting English learners to nonpublic schools, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 557.)

IA SSB1077

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to compulsory education, truancy, and chronic absenteeism.(See SF 277.)

IA HF870

A bill for an act relating to students who attend a course in religious instruction that is provided by a private organization, including by modifying provisions related to compulsory education and chronic absenteeism. (Formerly HSB 218.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA SSB1211

A bill for an act modifying supplemental aid and modified supplemental amounts for certain school districts relating to open enrollment, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

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