Board directs staff to apply for Community Schools implementation grant to tackle chronic absenteeism and behavior supports

Superintendent Britney briefed the board on the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) implementation grant. She reminded trustees that Auburn previously received a $180,000 planning grant and said the district meets eligible criteria at all three school sites; packet language listed award levels and suggested allowable uses including staffing, expanded learning, and family engagement.

"That means 30.6 percent of our students miss at least 10% of school," the superintendent said while explaining chronic absenteeism driven priorities; staff proposed targeted outreach to high-absenteeism neighborhoods and options such as targeted bus routes, behavior teams, and a phased plan to transition PCOE-run wellness centers to district staffing if grant funds allow. Trustees debated workload and program strings, requested objective wellness-center metrics and sustainability planning and—after hearing staff confirm they would not accept a grant with unacceptable conditions—directed staff to prepare and submit the CCSPP application (due Feb. 7). If awarded, staff will return to the board for formal acceptance with the full grant agreement.