601.1 - School Calendar

The school calendar will accommodate the education program of the school district.  The school calendar is for a minimum of [180 days or 1080 hours] and includes, but is not limited to, the days for student instruction, staff development, in-service days and teacher conferences.  Each year the minimum school calendar may include up to 5 days or 30 hours of instruction delivered primarily over the internet. 

The academic school year for students shall begin no sooner than August 23.  Employees may be required to report to work at the school district prior to this date.

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 board, in its discretion, may excuse graduating seniors from up to five days or 30 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.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop the school calendar for recommendation, approval, and adoption by the board annually.

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

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy  and reflects Iowa law.

 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 20.9; 279.10, 280.3; 299.1 (2).
281 I.A.C. 12.1(7); 41.106.

Approved: 
August 11, 1975

Date of Review:
January 13, 2025