COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE MEDIATION AGREEMENT
Student’s Name: __________________ DOB: ____________ Age: ______ Grade: ______
School: ____________________________ School Contact & Phone:_________________
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 299.5A of the Iowa Code and in accordance with the School Truancy Policy, if a parent or guardian or student refuses to accept the school district’s attempt to assure the student’s attendance or the school’s attempts to assure the student’s attendance are otherwise unsuccessful, the truancy officer shall refer the matter to the County Attorney for mediation or prosecution; and
WHEREAS, the student has accrued more than fifteen (15) absences during the course of a single school year and has either failed to agree to, or has violated an Attendance Cooperation Agreement; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the violation of the Attendance Cooperation Agreement, the school district's Truancy Policy requires the matter to be referred to the County Attorney for mediation or criminal prosecution; and
WHEREAS, at such mediation, in accordance with Section 299.5A of the Iowa Code and the school district's Truancy Policy, the parties reached and executed a Compulsory Attendance Mediation Agreement, the terms and conditions of which are set forth below.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the parties agree as follows:
I. TERM. Mediation agreement will be enforceable under Iowa Law until the child turns 16 on or before September 15 of that year or until the end of the school year if child turns 16 after September 15. This includes if the student changes or transfers school districts or schools or enters into a homeschool program within the State of Iowa.
II. VIOLATION. Pursuant to Chapter 299 of the Iowa Code and the school district's Truancy Policy, violation of the terms and conditions of this Agreement will result in the parent or guardian being prosecuted for the crime of Violation of a Compulsory Attendance Mediation Agreement, in violation of Section 299.6 of the Iowa Code, a simple misdemeanor for first offense and a serious misdemeanor for any second or subsequent offenses. As outlined in Iowa law, the following violations result in the following punishments:
a. A first offense is a simple misdemeanor and a conviction is punishable by imprisonment not exceeding ten days or a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars. The court may order the person to perform no more than forty hours of unpaid community service instead of any fine or imprisonment.
b. A second offense is a serious misdemeanor and a conviction is punishable by imprisonment not exceeding ten days or a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars. The court may order the person to perform not more than forty hours of unpaid community service instead of any fine or imprisonment.
c. A third or subsequent offense is a serious misdemeanor and a conviction punishable by imprisonment not exceeding thirty days or a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or both a fine and imprisonments. The court may order the person to perform unpaid community service instead of any fine or imprisonment.
d. If community service is imposed as part of a sentencing order, the court may require that part or all of the service be performed for a public school district or nonpublic school if the court finds that service in the school is appropriate under the circumstances.
III. REQUIREMENTS. The student and parent or guardian will comply with the following terms and conditions:
A. The Parent or Guardian Shall:
1. Ensure the student arrives on time to, and attends, all classes every school day during the school year with no unexcused tardies. If more than three (3) Tardies occur, it will be counted as one absence.
2. Ensure all homework is completed and returned to school promptly as assigned.
3. Attend all meetings scheduled by the school.
4. If deemed necessary and appropriate by the school administration, escort and attend school with the student.
5. Not allow the student to be absent or remove the student from school prior to the end of the school day, without previously contacting the school to provide a reason for the absence and obtain the acknowledgement of school administration.
6. Ensure that you and the student abide by the following policy regarding absences for medical reasons or illness:
a. Have the student examined and/or treated by a licensed doctor or medical professional and provide the school with written verification of said examination and/or treatment using the school-approved Doctor's Note form.
b. All doctor's notes must be returned into the school no later than three (3) school days after the absence or missed class time.
c. Sign and provide a release of information to the medical provider for the school as requested.
d. If a licensed medical professional has not been consulted to excuse the student from school, ensure the student attends school and consults the school health professional to determine if the student should be excused for that specific day.
7. Allow the County Attorney’s Office access to the student’s attendance and/or discipline records via written or electronic means.
8. Other: ______________________________________________
B. The Student Shall:
1. Attend school and all assigned class periods, on time, every school day during the school year.
2. If not examined and/or treated by a doctor or medical professional, attend school and consult the school health personnel.
3. Use appropriate and acceptable behavior with the school staff and other students at all times as outlined in the school handbook.
4. Take the necessary materials and completed assignments to each class every day.
5. Following an absence, ask for, complete, and turn in make-up work to the assigning teacher in a timely manner.
6. Go to bed and wake up by a reasonable time on school days.
7. Arrive at the bus stop on time, if applicable.
8. Other: ________________________________________________
Student: Date:
Parent/Guardian: Date:
County Attorney: Date:
*Adopted: 11/14/16
*Revised: 5/8/17
*Revised: 11/11/19
*Revised: 7/17/23
*Revised: 3/25/24
