Iowa Senate Bill SF302

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/23
• Refer: 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.