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Family liaison describes community‑school model, attendance gains and expanded supports
Summary
The district's community school family liaison described a five-year, grant-funded community schools model covering all sites, noting a 10% reduction in chronic absenteeism and a 5% increase in graduation rate this year, plus expanded family liaison staffing and the upcoming family wellness fair on Aug. 14.
The board heard a detailed presentation on the district's community school model and family liaison work that staff said is designed for rural districts to expand learning opportunities by partnering with families and community organizations.
The family liaison outlined actions taken under the five‑year grant: universal site benefits, attendance interventions, home visits, expanded family liaison staffing, and partnerships with local organizations such as Mendocino Land Trust and Mendocino Presbyterian Church. She reported that chronic absenteeism was reduced by about 10% and that graduation rates rose by about 5% this year, credited in part to attendance liaison outreach and home visits. "Now our chronic absenteeism was reduced by 10%, which we should be proud," the family liaison said.
The liaison described specific family supports delivered through an on-site family engagement cafe ("Intacafe"), citing 694 visits between December and April and 71 students receiving shoe vouchers, and said 49 families requested hygiene items. She urged trustees to consider district assistance for sustaining trips like the Mendocino Woodlands camp. Staff announced a community family wellness fair planned for Aug. 14 (3–5 p.m.) and said outreach will include social media work and a possible social media ambassador to increase parent engagement.
Trustees asked about how families request help; the liaison said families connect through teachers, principals, counselors and the family liaisons, and noted bilingual and multilingual outreach. The board expressed support for continuing and sustaining the community schools approach across district sites.
