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Mr. Schmerelson, Ms. Griego, Ms. Gonez, Ms. Newbill, Dr. Rivas, Ms. Ortiz Franklin, Mr. Melvoin - September 2026 as Child Welfare and Attendance Month (Res-004-26/27) (Noticed August 25, 2026) (Version 2)
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Whereas, The Compulsory Education Act was enacted in 1903, and the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District (District) appointed the first Attendance Officer to enforce compliance with the compulsory attendance mandate, creating the Pupil Services and Attendance Division;
Whereas, In our schools, Child Welfare & Attendance Counselors are called Pupil Services and Attendance Counselors (PSAs) and play a critical role supporting children’s safety and well-being, strengthening families by providing direct services and referrals, addressing barriers to school attendance and engagement, and reconnecting youth to schools;
Whereas, Chronic absenteeism in the District decreased from 29.5% for school year 2024-25 to 27.7% for school year 2025-26, representing continues progress while remaining above pre-pandemic levels; meanwhile, average daily attendance rates increased slightly from 92.2% to 92.6% from school year 2024-25 to 2025-26;
Whereas, PSAs identify barriers that may impact attendance and learning, facilitate linkages to services that meet the needs of the whole child while simultaneously integrating multi-tiered interventions to promote overall wellness of the family, address absenteeism, truancy, and support students of culturally diverse populations;
Whereas, PSAs support student engagement, wellness and dropout prevention, allowing increased access to college pathways, linking students and families to services, and providing comprehensive services to foster and homeless youth;
Whereas, PSAs support safe, supportive, and inclusive school environments by connecting students and families to resources, addressing barriers to educational access, and promoting student engagement and well-being for all students regardle...
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