School Attendance Review Board

The purpose of the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) is to build relationships with students and families in order to mitigate the barriers that students face in attending school. SARB is used as a positive intervention to improve graduation rates and reduce dropout rates for students with continuous attendance challenges. During the SARB meeting, comprehensive services and referrals to community agencies can be offered to students and families who need intensive help beyond what the district can provide. 

The SARB process begins at the school. The school can do the following:

• Phone calls or letters to the parent
• Parent meetings with the counselor, teacher, or administrator
• Attendance contract with the student, school, and parent
• School Attendance Review Team (SART) meetings

If the student's attendance does not improve after these steps are taken, the student is referred to SARB.

What happens at the SARB hearing?

• The school Assistant Principal or counselor reports on the attendance record.
• SARB members ask the student and parent to explain why the student is not going to school.
• SARB members make recommendations to assist the family and student.

How do you get help from SARB?

• Call your school and speak to the counselor, Assistant Principal, or Principal for a referral.
• Call or email Children and Family Services at LEUSD and speak to SARB Liaisons
  • SARB@leusd.k12.ca.us  
  • Shanah Tompkins  951-805-5933 SARB Liaison

  • Marisol Aguilar         951-805-2357    SARB Liaison

     

What can SARB recommend for students?

• Help students find employment.
• Counseling programs for the student and/or family.
• Parenting classes to support parents.
• A student transfer to an alternative school or program.
• Assistance from other agencies and programs (counseling, support and mental health)
• After-school tutoring.

Facts related to nonattendance…

• Parents allow their children to be absent more on Mondays and Fridays.
• Parents allow their children to stay home because of inclement weather, the day after a school holiday and for the parents’ convenience.
• Students who ride the bus to school are absent more frequently than students within walking distance from school.
• Students who do not eat breakfast are absent more than students who do.

WHAT YOU CAN DO 

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. 
• Lay out clothes and pack backpack the night before. 
• Find out what day school starts and make sure your child has the required shots. 
• Introduce your child to her teachers and classmates before school starts to help her transition. • Don’t let your child stay home unless she is truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomachache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make her feel comfortable and excited about learning. 
• Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent. 
• Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.

We're Here to Help

SARB General Email
sarb@leusd.k12.ca.us

Marisol Aguilar
SARB Liaison
Marisol.aguilar@leusd.k12.ca.us
951-805-2357

Shanah Tompkins
SARB Liaison
Shanah.tompkins@leusd.k12.ca.us
951-805-5933