School Attendance
Student Attendance Review Team (SART)
A SART Meeting is a problem-solving meeting that includes the parent/guardian, student and members from the school team, to discuss and implement strategies and intervention to help improve attendance. The SART process can be utilized for any student who is experiencing attendance challenges and should be done in conjunction with the first and or second notification letter.
SART Toolkit
The County Office of Education has created a Student Attendance Review Team (SART) toolkit to be an effective tool for districts in helping promote regular attendance. The toolkit includes:
- Universal prevention strategies that create a welcoming and supportive school environment for all students
- Strategies and supports for families and students struggling with absenteeism
- Best practices for developing a Student Attendance Review Team
- Sample SART meeting agendas and scripts
- SART/SARB notification letters and contracts
Student Attendance Review Board (SARB) Process
When districts have exhausted their resources, they can begin the county Student Attendance Review Board (SARB) process.
The SARB Panel includes representatives from several organizations to support the student and their family in increasing their attendance and getting linked to supports and services. Panels often include representatives from San Mateo County Office of Education, District Attorney's Office, County Attorney’s Office, Behavioral Health & Recovery Services, Family Health, Juvenile Probation, Human Services, and community-based organizations.
Referral to the SARB Panel
Please review the SARB referral packet and submit it two weeks prior to the date of the panel. Dates for the 2025 calendar year are listed below:
| Day | Date | Reserved Time | Referral Packet Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | September 26, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | September 12, 2025 |
| Friday | October 24, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | October 10, 2025 |
| Friday | December 5, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | November 21, 2025 |
| Friday | January 23, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | January 7, 2026 |
| Friday | February 27, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | February 11, 2026 |
| Friday | March 27, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | March 11, 2026 |
| Friday | April 24, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | April 8, 2026 |
| Friday | May 22, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | May 6, 2026 |
| Friday | June 26, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | June 10, 2026 |
Please make sure that your school site/district has completed the following required steps:
- Met with or had attempts to hold a SART meeting.
- Offered services, supports, and interventions to address any barriers to attendance (or attempted to offer)
- Include required documents in SARB Referral Packet:
- Completed SARB Referral Form
- Narrative Summary
- Copies of Truancy Letters (3 or more)
- Description/List of School Site SART Interventions
- Student Attendance Record
- Special Education Summary if Applicable
- Indicate school site, district, and partner agency representatives to attend
- Notified parent/guardian via SART/SARB notification letters
| Number of Instances of Absences | Notification |
|---|---|
| Three instances* of absences | First Notification Letter |
| Three additional instances* of absences (six total) | Second Notification Letter |
| Three additional instances* of absences (nine total) | Third Notification Letter Either Chronic Absentee or SARB depending on the attendance circumstances |
*An instance is any absence between one period through a full school day or being late to school (tardy) by 30 minutes or more.
For questions or to submit a SARB Referral packet, please contact Gemma Urena-Cuevas