(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School Board, Wednesday evening, discussed the District’s Attendance Policy. Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen said school officials in Atlantic and across Iowa are trying to work through the new rules established by the Iowa legislature, to make sure they are in compliance, but is still a lot of confusion on, and misinterpretation of the law, as Johnson found out earlier in the day, Wednesday.

Johnsen said the administration understood that chronic absenteeism meant for 10-percent of the school year, or 18 school days. That, as it turns out, is not the case.

Kathy Hanafan, Green Hills AEA School-based Interventionist, told Dr. Johnsen she would look more into the matter, including what other school district’s are doing across the State, but it’s clear – and the board agreed – that no one district is following the law entirely, based on its interpretation.

Right now, Dr. Johnsen says, the Atlantic School District may-or-may not be in compliance with the law.

She says she thinks the District will be held accountable by the County Attorney. Board member Josh McLaren said he doubts Cass County Attorney Vanessa Strazdas will act quickly to act on a case or cases of chronic absenteeism.

Other board members said it’s not something the public should get “worked-up about” right now, because there are still so many legal unknowns and the need for further clarification, but the policy currently in-place, stands. Board member Laura McLean said the main thing for parents to know, is that the Atlantic School District wants to your children to be in school as much as possible, and to communicate the effect chronic absenteeism has on a students’ ability to learn and keep-up with their classmates.

Work Session Minutes 08282024