District outlines MTSS attendance steps, reports progress reducing chronic absenteeism

District staff on March 4 presented its multi‑tiered (MTSS) attendance strategy and gave data on outreach and early results. The MTSS presentation described Tier 1 universal practices (classroom expectations, PBIS, automated attendance calls), Tier 2 supplemental interventions (personalized attendance calls, short‑term independent study contracts and SART meetings), and Tier 3 wraparound supports including reset programs and referrals to alternative placements when needed.

Dr. Adriana Lehi Ramirez said nearly 60% of students were in the "excellent" or "satisfactory" attendance categories as of January; she highlighted a 67% 'save rate' — the percentage of students who avoided further absences after an initial attendance notice (national average cited at 53%). The district reported an increase in short‑term independent‑study recovery (31% recovered this year versus 26% last year) and described expanded home visits, SAR/SART panels, and partnership with counseling and special education for students with 504/IEP plans. "We tailor meetings to address attendance concerns and develop targeted supports," the MTSS coordinator said, describing site‑by‑site practices and reset programs at selected campuses.

Trustees asked about graduation correlations and root causes; staff noted causes vary widely (transportation, housing instability, family needs, health) and pointed to targeted supports such as gift cards for laundromats and coordination with social services as part of intervention plans. Board members welcomed the data and requested ongoing monitoring and links between attendance interventions and academic outcomes.