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Linn‑Mar board debates state truancy thresholds, pledges to consult county attorney and pilot parent notifications
Summary
At a board meeting, district staff said they will not require parents to take sick children to a doctor but will treat absences as exempt only with a medical note; the board will monitor guidance, meet the county attorney and pilot automated absence calls at the high school.
At a board meeting, the Linn‑Mar Community School District heard extended discussion about implementing a new state truancy framework that uses 10%, 15% and 20% absence thresholds to trigger outreach and possible legal referral. Board members, staff and public commenters debated whether medical‑excuse rules would place an undue burden on families.
The debate centered on how the district will interpret and apply the state guidance. Amy, the district’s associate superintendent, said the district is monitoring guidance from the Iowa Department of Education and working with the county attorney. "We are not requiring doctor's notes. You do not have to take your son or daughter to the doctor," Amy said, while noting that an absence becomes exempt from truancy only if a note is provided or the school excuses it.
Why it matters: The state thresholds—typically described as 10%, 15% and 20% of the grading period—can trigger official letters,…
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