California Law requires every person between the ages of 6 and 18 to attend the full school day and be on time. Education Code Section 48200.

What is S.A.R.B.?

A School Attendance Review Baord is an interagency group authorized by the California Law (Education Code Section 48320 et seq.) that assists families experiencing school truancy, attendance and behavioral problems to find solutions by providing resources and guidelines.

The S.A.R.B. Goal:

The goal of the S.A.R.B. is to help families comply with California's compulsory attendance laws. To achieve these goals, the law provides for a multi-agency S.A.R.B. which may include the following agencies:

• Student and family services

• Probation

• Law Enforcement

• Parent and/or community representatives

• Community-based organizations

• Student welfare and attendance personnel

• School guidance personnel

• District Attorney's Office

• School District personnel

Excused Absences:

• Personal Illness (doctor's note my be required)

• Student's medical appointment

• Funeral of immediate family member (one day only)

• Mandatory court appearance

Unexcused Absences:

• Out of town visit with relatives

• Mild stomach ache

• Minor headache

• Stay with sick relative

• Otherwise would have been excused, but parent failed to contact school

• Child not in school the majority of the day (30 minutes before, during lunch, or at the end of the day)

Absences and Excuses:

When students who have been absent return to school, they shall present a satisfactory explanation verifying the reason for the absence. The following methods may be used to verify student absences:

• Written note from parent/guardian, parent representative, or student if 18 or older. 

• Conversation, in person or by telephone, between the verifying employee and the student's parent/guardian or parent representative.

• Visit to the student's home by the verifying employee, or any other reasonable method which establishes the fact that the student was absent for the reason stated. 

• Physician's verification     
  a) When excusing students for confidential medical services or verifying such appointments, district staff shall not ask the purpose of such appointment but may contact a medical office to confirm the time of an appointment.    
   b) When a student has had 12 absences in the school year for illness verified by methods listed in # 1-3 above, any further absences for illness must be verified by a physician. 

What is Truancy?

3 unexcused absences OR 3 unexcused tardies of 30 minutes or more OR a combination of unexcused absences / tardies.