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Honoring California’s Model SARBs



CASCWA & CDE Partnership

CASCWA is honored to partner with the California Department of Education to recognize and celebrate School Attendance Review Boards (SARBs) that exemplify best practices in supporting students and families. Each year, Model SARB recognition is awarded to districts and counties across California that have demonstrated excellence in reducing chronic absenteeism, addressing barriers to school attendance, and fostering collaboration between schools, families, and community agencies. To learn more about the vital role that SARBs play in supporting regular school attendance, attend a State SARB Meeting hosted by the CA Dept of Ed. 

2026 Model SARB Recognition Program

Model SARBs represent the highest standard of practice in student attendance and engagement. They showcase how cross-sector collaboration can build stronger systems of support for students, ensuring that challenges such as transportation, health, housing, and other barriers do not stand in the way of learning. More information regarding the date and time of the 2026 Model SARB Application workshop will be available soon. 

          


88th Annual CASCWA State Conference: Honoring 2025 Model SARB Awardees! 

Every spring, during CASCWA’s Annual State Conference, we honor these Model SARBs in front of a statewide audience of pupil services professionals, administrators, and education leaders. This recognition not only highlights their achievements but also provides inspiration and practical strategies that can be replicated by other districts across the state

2025 Model SARBs and Their Chairpersons
  • Bakersfield City School District, Jesse D. Beed (Kern County)
  • Beaumont Unified School District, Bobbi Burnett (Riverside County)
  • Chowchilla Elementary School District, Ara Derkalousdian (Madera County)
  • Conejo Valley Unified School District, Amber Bowman (Ventura County)
  • Corona-Norco Unified School District, Crystal Carroll (Riverside County)
  • Covina-Valley Unified School District, Fernando Sanchez (Los Angeles County)
  • Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District, Antonio Quintanilla (Tulare County)
  • Eureka City Schools, Sheri Jensen (Humboldt County)
  • Folsom-Cordova Unified School District, Scott Meyer (Sacramento County)
  • Humboldt County Office of Education, Gillian Townsend (Humboldt County)
  • Menifee Union School District, Melinda Conde (Riverside County)
  • Needles Unified School District, Jamie Wiesner (San Bernardino County)
  • Newport-Mesa Unified School District, Angela Allen Hess (Orange County)
  • Patterson Joint Unified School District, Sandra Villasenor (Stanislaus County)
  • Riverside Unified School District, Raul Ayala (Riverside County)
  • San Jacinto Unified School District, Courtney Hall (Riverside County)
  • Shasta County Office of Education, Wendy Hall (Shasta County)
  • Val Verde Unified School District, Steve Coelho (Riverside County)
  • Woodlake Unified School District, Melissa Lawson (Tulare County)

VIEW THE PHOTOS

Why It Matters

Chronic absenteeism continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing California schools. By elevating the work of Model SARBs, CASCWA and the California Department of Education aim to shine a light on effective, equity-driven solutions that keep students connected to school, engaged in learning, and on track for long-term success.

Looking Ahead

CASCWA remains committed to partnering with state and local leaders to strengthen attendance practices and student support systems. Honoring Model SARBs is one way we celebrate progress while continuing the important work of ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

2026 CASCWA Annual State Conference Registration is OPEN

Get ready for the 89th Annual CASCWA State Conference hosted by the CASCWA Delta Sierra section. Set to take place March 16-18, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Sacramento, California, this premier event will bring together educators, administrators, and student services professionals from across the state to explore innovative strategies for enhancing student welfare and attendance. Attendees can look forward to engaging workshops, insightful keynote speakers, and valuable networking opportunities, all aimed at fostering student success. Register now and stay tuned for more details as the date approaches. As with past CASCWA conferences, we expect to sell out.

#CASCWA2026





California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance.  501(c)4 non-profit organization. P.O. Box 879 Sanger Ca 93657

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