District School Attendance Review Board

The Governing Board recognizes that poor school attendance and behavior problems negatively impact student learning and achievement and put students at greater risk of dropping out of school. The Superintendent or designee shall establish a comprehensive and integrated system for the early identification of attendance problems and shall implement strategies to encourage students' attendance. After other interventions have been exhausted, students with a pattern of unexcused absences may be referred to a school attendance review board (SARB), in accordance with applicable law, in order to receive intensive guidance and assistance. The SARB shall maintain a continuing inventory of community resources, including alternative educational programs. The Superintendent or designee shall collaborate with the SARB and appropriate community agencies, including, but not limited to, law enforcement agencies, child welfare agencies, and health services, to provide school-based and/or community-based interventions tailored to the specific needs of the student. The Governing Board shall appoint members to the district's SARB, who may include a parent/guardian, as well as representatives of various agencies including, but not limited to, school districts; the county probation department; the county welfare department; the County Superintendent of Schools; law enforcement agencies; community-based youth service centers; school guidance personnel; child welfare and attendance personnel; school or county health care personnel; school, county, or community mental health personnel; the county district attorney's office; and the county public defender's office. (Education Code 48321) Each SARB shall, at least annually, consult with students who reflect the diversity of all the schools that are served by the SARB for the purpose of soliciting input that will assist SARB members in gaining a better understanding of, and proposing interventions for, student attendance and behavioral challenges. (Education Code 48321) The district's SARB shall provide support to improve student attendance and behavior through proactive efforts focused on building positive school environments and improved school connectedness, early identification and immediate intervention to re-engage students with poor attendance or behavior, and intensive intervention with students and families to address severe or persistent attendance or behavior issues. The district's SARB shall operate in accordance with Board Bylaw 9320 - Meetings and Notices, Board Bylaw 9321 - Closed Session, and Board Bylaw 9322 - Agenda/Meeting Materials; Education Code 48320-48325; applicable rules and regulations of the County Office of Education's SARB; and the Ralph M. Brown Act (open meeting requirements). The SARB shall collect data and annually report outcomes on SARB referrals to the Governing Board, Superintendent or designee, and County Superintendent. (Education Code 48273)