District renames office to Office of Student Belonging and Success; Pupil Personnel added to expand attendance and truancy support

Doctor Matthews told the Equity Council Committee on Aug. 5 that the district has renamed its unit the Office of Student Belonging and Success and that the office now incorporates the Department of Pupil Personnel to provide coordinated support for attendance, truancy and student belonging.

Matthews said the reorganization will focus services on students the district described as needing more supports for attendance and engagement. She said the office will bring together psychological-safety and belonging supports with accountability functions related to truancy so schools and families have a single point of coordinated services.

Matthews also reported that district staff presented sessions at professional-learning hubs for registrars and attendance clerks to prepare for the start of the school year and for enrollment tasks such as ParentSquare and transportation sign-ups.

This was a report to the ECC; no formal board action was taken during the Aug. 5 meeting.