Following a review of reports from the Santa Barbara County Civil Grand Jury regarding truancy rates in local school districts, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approved implementation of a truancy program that resurrected processes lost through budget cuts in 2008.  These processes include referrals to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) when all other established interventions steps have failed to correct a negative student attendance pattern.  These interventions include multiple notifications to parents and students as well as in-person meetings with school officials, community agency service providers, Deputy District Attorney, and law enforcement.  

To establish a local SARB, bylaws must be developed.  The proposed bylaws of the Santa Barbara County SARB are included for the Board’s review.