New Iowa Truancy Law

On May 9, 2024, Iowa introduced a new law designed to go against absences and truancy in schools. This legislation is stirring up a mix of reactions from students, parents and teachers in the Waukee Community School District.

According to the law, missing 10% of school translates to about five days in a quarter, while truancy is defined as missing 20%, or nine days in a quarter. When a student hits that 10% absence mark, the school district must inform the county attorney and send a notice to the parents.

The goal? To promote regular attendance, and address the reasons why some students might be missing school.

Many in the Waukee community see this law as a positive step. Teachers believe that catching attendance issues early can lead to better academic performance. Counselor Mr. Twigg of Northwest High School explained, “The intent of the law has a good merit, however, it is truly designed for districts that have a much larger attendance problem than what we see in Waukee.”

By notifying parents when their child is nearing a certain amount of absences, schools aim to work on communication, and create support systems to help families tackle any challenges. In Waukee, this has led to the development of programs focused on student and family engagement, like counseling services.

However, not everyone is on board with the new law. Alayna Schulte, a junior at Northwest High School, voiced her concerns, “If I’m sick, I can’t go to school, but if I miss too many days, I get in trouble.”

The law has also sparked worries among students and parents about its potential downsides. Some students feel the notification system might add unnecessary stress, especially for those dealing with real health issues or family problems. Others pointed out that those who want to attend college visits could find themselves in “hot water”. Parents have expressed frustration about being penalized for situations that are beyond their control, leading to feelings of helplessness.

“The new attendance law feels unnecessary and is very stressful for both parents and students,” said sophomore Cal Blakley. “It just pushes you to ignore your real challenges.”

Teachers share similar concerns. They worry that the law could discourage students from seeking help for genuine issues, fearing that their absences could result in legal consequences or school punishments.

As the Waukee Community School District navigates the complexities of this new law, it remains dedicated to finding a balance between accountability and compassion. By involving students and families in the conversation, the district hopes to create a supportive atmosphere that prioritizes both attendance and the well-being of its students.

Overall, the goal of the law is clear, to ensure that students are in school, learning and thriving. However, as the community works through its kinks, it is crucial to remember that education is not just about attendance, it is about supporting each student’s unique journey.