A new state law imposing stricter K-12 attendance requirements is costing Iowa schools thousands of dollars.
Why it matters: Chronic absenteeism remains a problem in Iowa following a post-COVID spike . And beyond the new law’s costs, some officials worry it doesn’t address the root causes, especially among low-income families.
Driving the news: The Iowa Legislature this year passed a law requiring schools to send certified mail to families whose students have missed 10% or more of their classes for the academic period.
Yes, but: That 10% can range between school districts given differences in calendars. An Axios survey of local metro schools found that 10% equates to a range of five to nine missed days. Previously, a first offense statewide was 10 days.
- The new law also imposes stricter guidelines for exempted absences, while schools previously had more discretion.
- For example: College visits and family vacations are considered unexcused now under state law.
Follow the money: Des Moines Public Schools set aside $70,000 for mail warnings this school year and has spent $9,000 so far.