School Attendance Review Board (S.A.R.B.)

California Law (Compulsory Attendance Law 48200) requires that each person between the ages of 6 and 18 years is subject to compulsory full-time education.

Education Code Section 48263 states: If any minor pupil is a habitual truant, or is irregular in attendance at school, or is habitually insubordinate or disorderly during attendance at school, the pupil may be referred to a school attendance review board for resolution.

The purpose of the S.A.R.B. is to work with families to ensure the student attends school on time and regularly.

The S.A.R.B. holds parents and students accountable by:

• Enforcing the compulsory attendance laws
• Conducting Student Attendance Review Board meetings
• Monitoring student attendance and informing parents of chronic tardiness or absenteeism
• Offering support services and referrals to other agencies for students and families in need
• Recommendation of sanctions when appropriate
• Referring non-compliant parents to court

STEP 1:

A student who reaches 3 unexcused absences or 5 truant (more than 30 minutes late) tardies will trigger the S.A.R.B. process to begin with letter #1 sent home to parents.

STEP 2:

A student who reaches 5 unexcused absences or 7 truant tardies will trigger S.A.R.B. letter #2 to be sent home to parents. At this time, the parent must attend a conference with administration at the school site to sign an attendance agreement and acknowledge the status of their student’s attendance issues.

STEP 3:

A student who reaches 7 unexcused absences or 10 truant tardies will trigger S.A.R.B. letter #3. After receiving letter #3, parents will be required to attend a formal S.A.R.B. hearing to find a resolution to the attendance problem. As determined at the conference, the student and parents will agree to and sign a district-level S.A.R.B. “Attendance Contract”.

Failure to follow the terms of the Attendance Contract will result in a citation being issued by the Exeter Police Department and/or a legal complaint being filed with the Tulare County Superior Court. Parents and their student must attend a hearing before a judge, who will set conditions and/or cite family with an infraction or misdemeanor and fine due to the truancy. The S.A.R.B. chairperson attends this hearing and represents the district. The district may also report your truancy case to Child Welfare Services, Probation, CalWorks, and/or petition to delay the driving privilege of your student(s) when necessary.