Board approves funding for school-based juvenile probation officer amid questions about discipline and enrollment

The board considered consent item 27033, a purchase/order request to fund a school-based juvenile probation officer whose primary role is truancy prevention and diversion. Staff said the officer previously was housed at the board office and now operates from the courthouse, meeting referred students and coordinating with school staff.

Multiple trustees pressed for data and questioned whether the probation officer’s work addresses classroom discipline concerns raised by parents that affect enrollment. Program staff said the officer’s role is not primarily to address classroom disciplinary incidents—they referred those matters to other juvenile-probation staff—but instead focuses on breaking down barriers to attendance, working with families, and diverting students from formal court petitions. Staff said the officer’s caseload is typically around 50 students and that the Office of Children and Diversion reimburses roughly half the salary; the board approved continued funding 4–1.

Several trustees requested follow-up reporting, including metrics on outcomes and a cost–benefit or effectiveness review, before committing to long-term funding increases. Administration said it can provide caseload reports and invite the probation officer to a meeting to describe day-to-day activities.