Majority of charges dismissed for chronic absenteeism in Eastern Iowa schools

The majority of charges for truancy — repeated, unexcused absences from school — are being dismissed in Linn and Johnson counties as families make an effort to improve their child’s school attendance.

Iowa students are beginning their second school year under a new Iowa law that defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10 percent of days in a grading period. The law, Senate File 2435, requires school districts to adopt a policy related to absenteeism and truancy.

If a student misses 10 percent or more days in a grading period, the school sends a letter to the student’s parent or guardian and notifies the county attorney.

If a student reaches 15 percent absenteeism, the student and their family are required by law to attend a school engagement meeting with school officials. During this meeting, an absenteeism prevention plan will be created to prevent more absences.

If a student misses 20 percent or more days in a grading period or semester, as in years predating the new law, families will be referred to the county attorney who will decide what action to take.

The Gazette spoke with assistant Linn County Attorney Nina Sheller and Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmermann Smith about the impact of the law last year, what changes have been made and what families can expect this school year.

Question: How many cases were there in your county during the 2024-25 school year?

Zimmermann Smith: We had about 61 cases referred to us last year. Most of them were either dismissed or are still pending, which means we really give people a lot of chances to improve attendance and get support. Thirty cases were dismissed and 23 are still pending. Eight resulted in a guilty plea.

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Sheller: I saw more cases than I had in previous years. It wasn’t my highest year ever, but definitely an increase from the last two years. Things are more strict, so you’re certainly going to see more cases for that reason.

I saw more second offense cases where the family previously had been charged with truancy, and they were either successful (in improving their child’s attendance) and the case was dismissed, or they were not successful and pled guilty.

There were 147 cases open last year. I currently still have 70 of those cases open. I tend to follow those in the fall to see if the family can make or maintain progress. There were 69 cases dismissed and eight guilty pleas. Thirty-nine were dismissed due to improved attendance, 10 were dismissed due to transferring out of the county or to an online program or homeschooling, seven were dismissed because the child turned 16 years old, and six were dismissed because the children refused to go to school, but the parents were trying everything. Seven were dismissed for other reasons … in the interest of justice.

I saw more familiar faces than what I’ve seen in the past.

Q: Are you happy with those numbers?

Zimmermann-Smith: I do think attendance is improving in the districts and handling (absences) in a more standard way is definitely having an impact.

Sheller: I’m happy with it. I want the majority of cases dismissed for improved attendance. That’s always the goal, but I am still happy we are seeing the majority of cases dismissed.

Q: What changes were made to the law this year?

Sheller: The law no longer requires schools to send certified letters to families when a student misses 10 percent or more days in a grading period.

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Before, the law didn’t allow for exceptions for things like religious activities, bereavement, funerals, things of that nature, which is really hard on a family. … The law does now allow for some exemptions, which I think is good.

Another change is if an absence is not impacting a child’s academic achievement, it doesn’t necessarily have to be sent over for additional intervention if the child is still maintaining academic standing despite absences. That’s totally new and untested. It will be interesting to see how that impacts the numbers.

Not often is a child able to maintain that kind of academic progress while also dealing with truancy.

Q: What were challenges families faced last year in meeting the requirements of the law?

Zimmermann-Smith: Transportation is a big one. Some older kids have resistance to attendance … A habit of not attending can create a lot of anxiety.

We also see heroic efforts from school staff trying to get kids to school, make them comfortable, coming up with creative solutions.

Before this law was passed, we probably had a little bit too much flexibility with attendance. This sets expectations. It’s not a perfect solution, but we’re seeing improved attendance.

Sheller: We have had issues where families have gotten notes from the doctor’s office that is too vague. It doesn’t say when they can return to school.

Some districts will allow families to meet with the school nurse before the school day starts.

If a child is missing one or two days for illness and doesn’t have a note, it’s not going to reach (chronic absenteeism) thresholds. It’s when a child is repeatedly missing quite a bit of school (that it becomes a concern).

Q: What other reminders about attendance would you like to share with families this school year?

Zimmermann Smith: We want your kids in school, and we want to support anything that makes that happen. School is such an important part of the fabric of kids’ lives in the community.

Sheller: Communicate with the school. The school is not going to know what’s going on if you don’t tell them. Sometimes, it can feel scary or embarrassing, but if you talk to the school about whatever issue is happening, it’s going to be a lot easier to navigate.

It’s when we have no communication with families and children have disappeared where everyone gets very worried.

Comments: (319) 398-8411; grace.king@thegazette.com