501 STUDENT ATTENDANCE

501.1 RESIDENT STUDENTS

501.1 RESIDENT STUDENTS

 

Children who are residents of the Wapello School District community will attend the school district without paying tuition.

 

The residence of the student means the place, a boat, 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 the student will be decided upon its individual merits by the superintendent.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. Schools, 334

N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).

                                    Mt. Hope School District v. Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924).

Oshel v. Creston Community School District, DPI Admin. Doc. 570

(1981).

                                    33 D.P.I. Dec. Rule 80 (1984).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4 (1993).

                                    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:           501  Student Attendance

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised:

 

 

 

 

501.2 NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS

Students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school but who are not legal residents of the Wapello Community School District may be admitted into the school district at the discretion of the superintendent upon application and payment of tuition. The tuition rate shall be the current per-pupil cost of the school district as computed by the Board Secretary and 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 their former resident school district will be permitted to attend. Students who plan to open enroll to their former nonresident district for the next school year may do so without approval of the board.

 

Students in grades 11 or 12 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. The 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 that they will become legal residents of the school district prior to the third Friday in September may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Lakota Consolidated 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).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.1, .2, .6, .7, .24 (1993).

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       501  Student Attendance

 

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised:  5/10/23

501.3 COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE

501.3 COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE

 

Parents within the Wapello Community School District who have children over age 6 and under age 16 by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, shall have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board. Students shall attend school the number of hours school is in session in accordance with the school calendar.

 

Students of compulsory attendance age shall attend school a minimum of 1080 hours. Students not attending the minimum hours must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, for students in grades 7-12, referred to the County Attorney or, for students in grades KE-6, referred to the Attendance Cooperation process. Exceptions to this policy include children who:

have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or had 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; 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 exemptions listed above.

 

The principal shall 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 superintendent. If the student is still truant, the principal shall refer the matter over to the County Attorney for students in grades 7-12.

 

The school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney. The superintendent shall 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 §§ 259A; 279.10-.11; 299.1-.1A; 299A (1993).

                                    

 

Cross Reference:        501  Student Attendance

                                    601.1   School Calendar

                                    604.1   Competent Private Instruction

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 7/19/22

Revised: 10/11/2017; 12/9/2020

501.4 ENTRANCE - ADMISSIONS

501.4 ENTRANCE - ADMISSIONS

 

Children in the Wapello School District community will be allowed to enroll in the school district's regular education program beginning at age 5. The child must be age 5 on or prior to September 15 to participate in the school district's kindergarten program. The child must be age 6 on or prior to September 15 to begin the first grade of the education program.  Before the student may enroll in the district's education program, the board shall require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence of age  It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent 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 shall be reason for suspension, expulsion, or denying admission to the student.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 282.1, .3, .6 (1993).

                                   

 

Cross Reference:        501    Student Attendance

                                    507.1  Student Health and Immunization Certificates

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised:  12/9/2020

501.5 ATTENDANCE CENTER ASSIGNMENT

501.5 ATTENDANCE CENTER ASSIGNMENT

 

The Wapello Board of Directors shall have complete discretion to determine the boundaries for each attendance center and to assign students to the attendance center.

 

Parents or guardians of siblings int he same grade level academically in grade kindergarten through grade five may request the siblings by placed in the same or different classrooms.  In order to be valid, the request must be made in writing and submitted to the school principal at the time of registration for classes, or within fourteen days after the children's first day of attendance during the school year.  If a valid request is received by the school principal, the request must be honored.  While a parent or guardian may make a placement request that siblings be placed together or apart, the district administration retains complete discretion to select the classroom teacher(s) to which siblings are assigned.  If after the initial grading period following the placement of siblings in the same or different classrooms the school principal determines the placement is disruptive to the class; the principal may assign one or more of the siblings to different classrooms.

 

It shall be 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 shall consider the geographical layout of the school district, the condition and location of the school district facilities, the location of the student population, possible transportation challenges, 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

 

 

Cross Reference:       501--Student Attendance

 

 

Approved: 4/17/1995

Reviewed: 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised:

501.6 STUDENT TRANSFERS IN

501.6 STUDENT TRANSFERS IN

 

Students who transfer into the Wapello Community School District must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the school district. The school district reserves the right to deny admission to any non-resident student unless the student is complying with open enrollment procedures.

 

The school district shall request the student's cumulative records from the previous school district. If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, the principal will make the grade level determination. The principal may require testing or other information to determine the grade level.

 

The principal shall determine the amount of credits to be transferred. If the student has not previously attended an accredited school, it is within the principal’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 (1988).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 282.1, .3; 299A (1993).

 

 

Cross Reference:        501    Student Attendance

                                    505.3  Student Honors and Awards

                                    507    Student Health and Well-Being

                                    604.1  Competent Private Instruction

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised: 12/08/2005

501.7 STUDENT TRANSFERS OUT OR WITHDRAWALS

501.7 STUDENT TRANSFERS OUT OR WITHDRAWALS

 

If the student’s parents wish to withdraw or transfer the student from school prior to completing or graduating from the education program, they shall 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, etc.

 

The notice shall state the student’s final day of attendance. If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the school district shall maintain the student's records in the same manner as the records of the 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 parent shall notify the superintendent in writing. This notice shall 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 shall inform the parents of their right to review the record sent.

 

If the student is of compulsory education age and not transferring to another public school district or an accredited nonpublic school, the parent shall 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.

Iowa Code §§ 274.1; 299.1-.1A; 299A.11.

 

 

Cross Reference:       501 Student Attendance

506  Student Record

604.1 Competent Private Instruction

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised:

501.8 STUDENT ATTENDANCE RECORDS

501.8 STUDENT ATTENDANCE RECORDS

 

As part of the Wapello Community School District's records, the daily attendance of each student shall be recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records of the Board Secretary.

It shall be the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the board Secretary, the custodian of school records.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

 

 

Cross Reference:        501.3  Compulsory Attendance

                                    506    Student Records

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised:

 

501.9 STUDENT ABSENCES - EXCUSED

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

 

Student absences approved by the principal shall be excused absences. Excused absences shall count as days in attendance for purposes of the truancy law. These absences include, but are not limited to:

  • Illness
  • Family emergencies/obligations
  • Recognized religious observances
  • Appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day
  • School-sponsored or approved activities

 

The district believes that tradition, in-person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students.  However, there may be rare and unusual circumstances created by public emergencies declared by state or local officials which temporarily prevent students from attending traditional, in-person school.  In these circumstances, the superintendent will have discretion to make reasonable accommodations for students, on a case-by-case basis, to attend school through remote learning opportunities within the available resources of the district and as permitted by law.  During approved remote learning, attendance will be taken, assessments may be administered, and grades will count towards students’ cumulative grade point average as if they were attending in person.  The provision of special education and accommodations for students who have individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.

 

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

 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:       34 C.F.R. sec, 300

                                    28 C.F.R. Pt. 35

                                    Iowa Code 294.4; 299.

                                    281.I.A.C. 12.3(4)

 

 

Cross Reference:        501      Student Attendance

                                    503      Student Discipline

                                    504      Student Activities

                                    505      Student Records

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised:  7/8/2020

501.9E1 - REQUEST FOR REMOTE LEARNING FORM

501.9E1—REQUEST FOR REMOTE LEARNING FORM

Date: ________________________

Student Name:  ___________________________________

Attendance Center:  ________________________________

Parent/Guardian:  __________________________________

I, ______________________________ (parent/guardian) am requesting accommodation for my child, _____________________________________ (student name) to participate in remote learning opportunities for the duration of the declared public emergency, or until I have determined my child can safely return to traditional in-person learning at his/her designated attendance center, whichever occurs first.

I have attached to this form documentation from an Iowa Board of Medicine-licensed medical professional confirming that remote learning is medically necessary due to the vulnerable health condition of my child or of a family member residing within the same house as my child. 

I understand that the district will do their utmost to accommodate my child’s learning needs, but that some learning opportunities may need to be modified in a remote environment.  The provisions of special education and accommodations for students who have individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.

I understand that in order for my child to continue to participate in mandatory learning, his/her remote attendance will be taken, assessments administered, an degrades will be counted toward my child’s cumulative grade average.  I understand that any devices, technology, or materials given to my child to facilitate remote learning are the property of the district and must be returned at the end of the remote learning period.

I am requesting that remote learning opportunities begin on __________________ (date) and continue until __________________ (date) or the declared public emergency is dismissed, whichever occurs first.

____________________________ (parent/guardian)            _____________________ (date)

 

Request approved by:

____________________________ (school official)              _____________________ (date)

501.10 TRUANCY - UNEXCUSED/EXCESSIVE ABSENCES

501.10 TRUANCY - UNEXCUSED/EXCESSIVE 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 shall attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.

 

Truancy is the failure to attend school for the minimum number of hours established in the school calendar by the board. Truancy is the act of being absent without parental and/or school knowledge. Truancy will not be tolerated by the board.

 

Unexcused absences shall include, but not be limited to, oversleeping, shopping, grooming, recreation, going to another area of the building instead of class, senior pictures, and working for hire.

 

Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion. It shall be within the discretion of the principal to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether the student may make up work missed because of the truancy. Students receiving special education services will not be assigned to in-school suspension unless the goals and objectives of the student's Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.

 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:        Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

 

 

Cross Reference:        501.3  Compulsory Attendance

                                    503    Student Discipline

                                    504    Student Activities

                                    506    Student Records

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 7/19/22

Revised:  10/11/2017

501.10R1 TRUANCY - UNEXCUSED ABSENCES REGULATION

Daily, punctual attendance is an integral part of the learning experiences and required of all students to receive the maximum benefit of the Wapello School's 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 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 a 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 the following:

1st  INFRACTION: Detention assigned equal to the time student missed and parent notification.

2nd INFRACTION: Saturday detention assigned and parent notification.

3rd  INFRACTION: In-school suspension of 1-3 days and parent notification.

4th  INFRACTION: Suspension of three to five days and parent/guardian are required to meet with school administration. Student, parent/guardian may be required to appear in front of the Wapello School Board.

Reasonable excuses include personal illness, death or illness in the student's family, medical and business appointments which cannot be scheduled outside the school hours, and for other reasons which can be justified from an educational standpoint and for which approval is given by the student's parents or guardians and by the administration.

 

Parents are expected to telephone the school office to report a student's absence prior to the time on the day of the absence. Students with unexcused absences may also be referred to the at-risk coordinator.

When possible, arrangements to make up work prior to the absence should be made. Unless special arrangements have been made with the instructor, all make-up work must be completed in a length of time equal to the absence plus one day.

The administration and guidance staff shall make reasonable efforts to advise and counsel and may impose discipline upon any student having unexcused absences. Such advice, discipline and counseling includes, but is not limited to, oral or written notices to the student and his or her parents, conferences with the student and parents, written contracts, or loss of non-academic privileges such as extracurricular activities, open campus, late arrival, or early dismissal.

 

 

 

501.11 STUDENT RELEASED DURING SCHOOL HOURS

501.11 STUDENT RELEASED DURING SCHOOL HOURS

 

Students in grades eleven (11) or twelve (12) may be allowed to leave the Wapello School District facilities when they are not scheduled to be in class. Students who violate school rules may have this privilege suspended.

 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:        Iowa Code § 294.4 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

 

 

Cross Reference:        501  Student Attendance

                                    503  Student Discipline

                                    504  Student Activities

                                    506  Student Records

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 7/19/22

Revised: 9/19/1996; 10/11/2017

501.12 PREGNANT STUDENTS

501.12 PREGNANT STUDENTS

 

The Wapello Board of Directors 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 physical condition, the student may be excused and arrangements made to continue her studies during her absence. The student shall resume classes upon the recommendation of her physician.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 216; 279.8; 280.3 (2013).

 

 

Cross Reference:        501      Student Attendance

                                    604.2   Individualized Instruction

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised: 9/19/1996

501.13 STUDENTS OF LEGAL AGE

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 Wapello Community 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 (2012).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 22; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4; 599.1; 622.10 (2013).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

 

 

Cross Reference:        501      Student Attendance

                                    506      Student Records

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/121; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised: 9/19/1996

501.14 OPEN ENROLLMENT TRANSFERS - PROCEDURES AS THE SENDING DISTRICT

501.14 OPEN ENROLLMENT TRANSFERS - PROCEDURES AS THE SENDING DISTRICT

 

The Wapello Community 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 shall notify the sending and receiving school districts in accordance with district practice. The notice shall be 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 and prekindergarten children enrolled in special education programs and included in the district’s basic enrollment shall file in the same manner set forth above.

 

The receiving district will approve or deny open enrollment requests according to the timelines established by law. The parents may withdraw the open enrollment request board’s approval of the application. 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 purposes of transportation.

 

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 139A.8; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1

 

 

Cross Reference:        501    Student Attendance

                                   506    Student Records

 

 

Approved:                 8/17/1995

Reviewed:                 11/13/2003; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017

Revised:                    11/13/2003; 12/08/2005; 7/14/21; 7/19/22

501.15 OPEN ENROLLMENT TRANSFERS - PROCEDURES AS A RECEIVING DISTRICT

501.15 OPEN ENROLLMENT TRANSFERS - PROCEDURES AS A RECEIVING DISTRICT

 

The Wapello Community 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 shall have complete discretion to determine the attendance center of the students attending the school district under open enrollment.

 

The superintendent will approve within 30 days incoming kindergarten applications; good cause application; or continuation of an educational program application.  The superintendent shall notify the sending school district and parents within five days of the school district's action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.

 

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.

 

Students in grades nine through twelve open enrolling into the school district will not be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, only in accordance with applicable laws. 

 

Parents of students whose open enrollment requests are approved by the board or superintendent are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement unless the parents qualify for transportation assistance. The board will not approve transportation into the sending school 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 shall remain in the sending district until a final determination is made.  For children requiring special education, the receiving district will complete and provide to the resident district the documentation needed to seek Medicaid reimbursement for eligible services.

 

The policies of the school district shall apply to students attending the school district under open enrollment.

 

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code 139A.8; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1

                                   281 I.A.C. 17.

 

 

Cross Reference:        501.6    Student Transfers In

                                   501.7    Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals

                                   501.14    Open Enrollment Transfers--Procedures as a Sending District

                                   507    Student Health and Well-Being

                                   606.6    Insufficient Classroom Space

 

 

Approved:                 8/17/1995

Reviewed:                 11/13/2003; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017

Revised:                    11/13/2003; 12/08/2005; 7/14/21;7/19/22

501.16 HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH

501.16 HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH

 

The Wapello Community School District believes all students should have access to a free, appropriate public education.  The district will ensure that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as other children and youth.

 

The term "homeless children and youth: means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residents.  The term includes:

  • Children and youth who are:
    • Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reasons (sometimes referred to as "doubled up:);
    • Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternate adequate accommodations;
    • Living in emergency or transitional shelters; or
    • Abandoned in hospitals
  • Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
  • Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
  • Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

 

To help ensure that homeless children and youth have a full opportunity to enroll, attend, and succeed at school, the board shall:

  • Designate the elementary principal as the local homeless children and youth liaison;
  • Provide training opportunities for staff so staff may help identify and meet the needs of homeless children and youth;
  • Remove barriers, including those associated with fees, fines, and absences, to the identification, enrollment, retention, attendance and/or success in school for homeless children and youth;
  • Ensure collaboration and coordination with other service providers;
  • Ensure transportation is provided in accordance with legal requirements;
  • Provide school stability in school assignment according to the child's best interests;
  • Ensure the privacy of student records, as provided by applicable law, including information about a homeless child or youths' living situation.
  • Engage in the dispute resolution process for decisions relating to the educational placement of homeless children and youth as provided by applicable law; and
  • Prohibit the segregation of a homeless child or youth from other students enrolled in the district.

 

The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement this policy.

 

Legal Reference:       No Child Left Behind, Title X, Sec. 772 P.L. 107-110 (2002)

                                    42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq. (1988).

                                    281 I.A.C. 33. (2005)

 

 

Cross Reference:        501    Student Attendance

                                    503.3  Fines - Fees - Charges

                                    506.1  Student Records Access

                                    507.1  Student Health and Immunization Certificates

                                    603.3  Special Education

                                    711.1  Student School Transportation Eligibility

 

 

Approved:  8/17/1995

Reviewed:  1/9/2003;2/14/2008; 1/12/2012; 7/19/22

Revised:  1/9/2003; 12/8/2005; 10/11/2017