The Marshalltown Community School District hosted a school board meeting last night. Among the topics of discussion were the potential updates for Miller Middle School as well as the new attendance policy for the district.

First, the project “Re-imagine Miller” discussion was led by Pete Perez. He’s the Boyd-Jones Director of Education and Municipal Service, and he explained why it was the best, and chosen option, recommended by the community task force for the future facility needs for Miller Middle School. Among his points was the cost.

Following the Miller Middle School discussion was the topic of absences. District Attendance Coordinator Elizabeth Harris-Medina discussed the new file signed into law effective July 1st regarding changes to the attendance policy.

Now, students who miss 10% of a semester (approximately 8.5 days) with unexcused absences will be designated as “chronically absent,” while students who miss 20% of a semester (approximately 17 days) will be defined as “truant.” As punishments for unexcused absences, students who are ‘chronically absent’ will receive a letter notifying parents of said absences, and their names will be added to a list shared with a county attorney.

At 15% days missed, students must attend a mandatory meeting with their parent/parents as well as with a school representative to implement an ‘attendance improvement plan.’ Finally, students who reach truancy will have their cases forwarded to a county attorney, and they will determine any further actions that need to be taken.

David Braga, KFJB News Reporter