What Is SARB?

The School Attendance Review Board is a community-based board that works with students and families to resolve attendance and behavior problems through supportive interventions.

SARB Composition

A SARB typically includes representatives from:

• School district (administrator, counselor)
• Probation department
• Social services/child welfare
• Mental health services
• Community organizations
• Law enforcement (optional)

The SARB Process

1. Pre-Referral (School Level)

Before referring to SARB, the school must document:

• Multiple attempts to contact the family
• Interventions already tried (conferences, contracts, counseling)
• SART meetings and outcomes
• The student's attendance records

2. Referral to SARB

The school submits a referral packet including:

• Attendance records
• Documentation of interventions
• Family contact log
• Academic records
• Any known family circumstances

3. SARB Hearing

• The student and parent/guardian attend a SARB meeting
• Board members review the case and hear from the family
• The board develops a SARB contract with specific requirements
• The contract may include counseling, community service, or family support services

4. Follow-Up

• The school monitors compliance with the SARB contract
• If attendance does not improve, the case may be referred to the district attorney for mediation or prosecution

Dean/Counselor Best Practices

1. Build rapport — Approach families with empathy, not punishment
2. Identify root causes — Attendance problems often stem from anxiety, bullying, family issues, or health problems
3. Connect families to resources — Transportation, housing, mental health, and basic needs
4. Document meticulously — Every contact, every intervention, every outcome