In keeping with Iowa Code 281.12, the superintendent/designee shall annually develop an official school calendar and recommend it to the board for approval and adoption. Prior to adoption, the board shall hold a public hearing on any proposed school calendar.

The school calendar will be set for a minimum 1,080 hours for student instruction as defined by Iowa Code. Special education students may attend school on a school calendar different from that of the regular education program consistent with their Individualized Education Program.

The academic school year for students must fall within the date parameters established under state law and may not begin prior to August 23. Employees may be required to report to work at the school district prior to this date. Additional days may be scheduled for professional learning, clerical tasks, and/or parent-teacher conferences provided that such days align with law, policy, and the terms of the bargained agreements.

The board may amend the official school calendar when the board considers the change to be in the best interests of the district’s education program. The board shall hold a public hearing on any proposed school calendar prior to adopting the school calendar.

The board, in its discretion, may excuse graduating seniors from up to 30 hours toward the 1,080 hours of instruction after the school district requirements for graduation have been met. The board may also excuse graduating seniors from making up days missed due to inclement weather if the student has met the school district’s graduation requirements.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §20.9, 279.10, 280.3
670 Iowa Admin. Code 3.2 (11), 3.3(5).
281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.1(7); 41.106

Cross Reference:
501.11 Compulsory Attendance
601.2 School Day
603.03 Special Education Services

Approved:
February 20, 1989

Reviewed:
April 14, 2010
August 17, 2015
December 21, 2015
December 21, 2020
June 16, 2022

Revised:
June 21, 2010
August 17, 2015
December 21, 2015
December 21, 2020
July 11, 2022