March 2026 State SARB Meeting Minutes
Preliminary Report of Actions/Draft Minutes for the March 26, 2026, State School Attendance Review Board (SARB) Meeting.Preliminary Report of Actions/Draft Minutes
March 26, 2026
Agenda
Item 01: Call to Order/Opening Remarks
Item 02: Approval of Agenda
Item 03: Election of Facilitator and Co-facilitator
Item 04: Election of Secretary
Item 05: Vote to Establish Membership of Subcommittee and Nominate Volunteers to Participate
Item 06: 2025–26 Model SARB Recognition Program Recipients
Item 07: Public Comment
Item 08: Closing Remarks and Adjournment
Item 01: Call to Order/Opening Remarks
Type of Action: Information
Allegra Alessandri, Education Administrator I in the Career and College Transition Division (CCTD) of the California Department of Education (CDE), called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. and welcomed members to the hybrid meeting, noting that staff and several members were attending on site at the CDE headquarters, including CCTD Division Director Mindy Person, while other members participated via Zoom.
Members were reminded to keep microphones muted and cameras on, to use the raise-hand feature for comments, and that all attendance and motions would be taken by roll call. Public comments would be invited on each agenda item and at the end of the meeting.
Chairperson Allegra Alessandri previewed the five action items on the agenda: (1) review and approve the agenda; (2) elect a Facilitator and Co-Facilitator; (3) elect a Secretary; (4) establish a subcommittee with a clearly defined mandate; and (5) celebrate the Model SARB Recognition Program awardees. A quorum of 16 members was required for the meeting.
Roll Call
Type of Action: Action
Members Participating Remotely: Elizabeth Bahn, Angela Chandler, Jane Claar, Nyeisha DeWitt, Jennifer Elenis, Laura Faer, Ryan Gallagher, Sherman Garnett, Jennifer Gomeztrejo, Sheri Hanni, Korena Hazen, Amalia Lopez, Brent Malicote, Christy Miro, Tracy Neal, Melissa Parrett, Jamie Parsons, Tracy Schmidt, Alisha Schoen, Christina Sepulveda, Mike Winters.
Members Absent: Ahmad Bahrami, Samantha Blackburn, Bryan Campoy, Anna-Maura Cervantes, Josh Godinez, Jeff Harris, Cecelia Leong, Lisa Salazar, Antonia Torres, De’Shawn Woolridge.
Quorum was established with 21 members participating.
Item 02: Approval of Agenda
Type of Action: Information/Action
Chairperson Allegra Alessandri presented the agenda for the March 26, 2026, meeting.
Public Comment: A member of the public raised several questions regarding the agenda, including the absence of a standing future business item for members of the public to suggest topics; a request for updates on prior State SARB recommendations and the feedback promised on them; questions about the State SARB budget; and concerns about the status and funding of the SARB Handbook update. Chairperson Allegra Alessandri acknowledged the comments and noted they would be reflected in meeting notes.
A motion to approve the agenda was made by Member Elizabeth Bahn.
Member Amalia Lopez seconded the motion.
Yes Votes: Elizabeth Bahn, Angela Chandler, Jane Claar, Nyeisha DeWitt, Jennifer Elenis, Laura Faer, Ryan Gallagher, Sherman Garnett, Amalia Lopez, Brent Malicote, Tracy Neal, Melissa Parrett, Jamie Parsons, Tracy Schmidt, Alisha Schoen, Christina Sepulveda, Mike Winters.
No Votes: None.
Abstentions: None.
Absent: Ahmad Bahrami, Samantha Blackburn, Bryan Campoy, Anna-Maura Cervantes, Josh Godinez, Jennifer Gomeztrejo, Sheri Hanni, Korena Hazen, Jeff Harris, Cecelia Leong, Christy Miro, Lisa Salazar, Antonia Torres, De’Shawn Woolridge.
The motion passed with 17 votes.
Item 03: Election of Facilitator and Co-facilitator
Type of Action: Information/Action
Chairperson Allegra Alessandri reviewed the officer roles as described in the State SARB bylaws. The bylaws provide that the officers of the State SARB shall be a chairperson, a meeting facilitator, an assistant meeting facilitator, and a secretary elected annually from among State SARB representatives, with the exception of the chairperson, who is the CDE representative. The meeting facilitator presides at State SARB meetings, coordinates the work of the officers and committees to promote the State SARB’s vision and mission, and serves ex-officio on all committees except the nominating committee. The assistant meeting facilitator serves as an aide to the meeting facilitator and performs the duties of that officer in their absence.
Members were reminded of the three nominations brought forward at the previous State SARB meeting: Sheri Hanni, De’Shawn Woolridge, and Mike Winters. Additional nominations for the officer positions were opened, and Amalia Lopez and Jennifer Gomeztrejo were identified as willing to serve in any of the officer roles. Sheri Hanni withdrew from consideration. De’Shawn Woolridge was not present.
Member comments emphasized the need for strong officers who could help restore consistent State SARB operations, re-establish a regular budget cycle, and move forward recommendations that had stalled previously. Members also recognized the chairperson’s role in serving as the connection between the State SARB, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI), and the CDE.
A former State SARB Chairperson David Kopperud presented Chairperson Allegra Alessandri with a commemorative gavel continuing a tradition from prior State SARB chairpersons.
Chairperson Allegra Alessandri explained the voting process. Members sought clarification on the process, and the candidate slate was confirmed as Amalia Lopez, Jennifer Gomeztrejo, Mike Winters, and De’Shawn Woolridge.
Election of Facilitator (first round)
Votes for Mike Winters: Elizabeth Bahn, Angela Chandler, Jane Claar, Nyeisha DeWitt, Jennifer Elenis, Ryan Gallagher, Sherman Garnett, Jennifer Gomeztrejo, Sheri Hanni, Amalia Lopez, Brent Malicote, Christy Miro, Tracy Neal, Melissa Parrett, Jamie Parsons, Tracy Schmidt, Alisha Schoen.
Votes for Amalia Lopez: Korena Hazen, Christina Sepulveda, Mike Winters.
Abstentions: Laura Faer.
Absent: Ahmad Bahrami, Samantha Blackburn, Bryan Campoy, Anna-Maura Cervantes, Josh Godinez, Jeff Harris, Cecelia Leong, Lisa Salazar, Antonia Torres, De’Shawn Woolridge.
Mike Winters was elected Facilitator with 17 votes.
Election of Co-Facilitator (second round)
Following member discussion regarding the voting process, Chairperson Allegra Alessandri proposed and members agreed to conduct a separate, clear vote for Co-facilitator among the three remaining candidates: Amalia Lopez, Jennifer Gomeztrejo, and De’Shawn Woolridge.
Yes Votes for Jennifer Gomeztrejo: Elizabeth Bahn, Angela Chandler, Jane Claar, Nyeisha DeWitt, Jennifer Elenes, Sherman Garnett, Sheri Hanni, Brent Malicote, Christy Miro, Tracie Neal, Jamie Parsons, Melissa Parrett, Tracy Schmidt, Alisha Schoen, Christina Sepulveda, Mike Winters.
Yes Votes for Amalia Lopez: Ryan Gallagher, Korena Hazen.
Abstentions: Nyeisha DeWitt, Josh Godinez, Jennifer Gomeztrejo.
Absent: Ahmad Bahrami, Samantha Blackburn, Bryan Campoy, Anna-Maura Cervantes, Josh Godinez, Jeff Harris, Cecelia Leong, Lisa Salazar, Antonia Torres, De’Shawn Woolridge.
Jennifer Gomeztrejo was elected Co-facilitator by 16 votes.
Item 04: Election of Secretary
Type of Action: Information/Action
The Chairperson Allegra Alessandri opened the floor for nominations and discussion regarding the Secretary position. Amalia Lopez and De’Shawn Woolridge were identified as candidates. Members commented on the qualifications of the candidates, noting Amalia Lopez’s connection to the California Continuation Education Association Plus, strong background supporting Tier II and Tier III students with attendance and behavioral challenges, and experience working in a rural region of the state, which would bring balance to the officer team.
Votes for Amalia Lopez: Elizabeth Bahn, Angela Chandler, Jane Claar, Nyeisha DeWitt, Jennifer Elenis, Ryan Gallagher, Sherman Garnett, Sheri Hanni, Korena Hazen, Brent Malicote, Tracy Neal, Jamie Parsons, Melissa Parrett, Tracy Schmidt, Alisha Schoen, Christina Sepulveda, Mike Winters, Amalia Lopez.
Votes for De’Shawn Woolridge: None.
Abstentions: Laura Faer, Amalia Lopez, Christina Sepulveda.
Absent: Ahmad Bahrami, Samantha Blackburn, Bryan Campoy, Anna-Maura Cervantes, Josh Godinez, Jeff Harris, Cecelia Leong, Lisa Salazar, Antonia Torres, De’Shawn Woolridge.
Amalia Lopez was elected Secretary with 18 votes.
The Chairperson Allegra Alessandri congratulated Mike Winters, Jennifer Gomeztrejo, and Amalia Lopez on their election and thanked them for stepping forward to lead the State SARB in the 2026 term.
Item 05: Vote to Establish Membership of Subcommittee and Nominate Volunteers to Participate
Type of Action: Information/Discussion/Action
Chairperson Allegra Alessandri opened the floor for discussion on the name, mandate, and scope of a new subcommittee focused on statewide training of key personnel based on the California Attendance Guide, including attendance supervisor training.
Members discussed that the subcommittee should establish a consistent statewide framework for attendance supervisor training, while allowing for variation based on local context across California’s diverse districts and county offices. The goal is a shared framework of core content rather than a single mandated training, ensuring that attendance supervisors across the state share the same foundational knowledge and align with statutory duties, evidence-based practices, and statewide attendance goals.
Discussion emphasized leveraging existing California Education Code provisions related to the duties of attendance supervisors to help shape the training framework and coordinating with the county boards of education and the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association to promote statewide uptake.
Members noted the importance of addressing the whole child, individual student experiences, and the cultural and contextual factors that affect attendance and behavior, particularly in rural districts and districts serving under 1,000 students. The ongoing statewide leadership turnover among teachers and administrators was identified as a key reason to prioritize training, alignment, and clarity now. Members also discussed the connection between training and an updated State SARB Handbook as complementary efforts.
Members offered to help connect the subcommittee with other statewide partners to support broad promotion and adoption of the training framework.
Public comment reinforced the importance of grounding the training in the lived experience of students and families, including home visiting practices and culturally responsive engagement, as well as ensuring the training addresses both attendance and behavior as co-equal responsibilities of the SARB.
A member also suggested establishing a separate small committee to update the State SARB bylaws and provide clearer direction regarding State SARB operations; Chairperson Allegra Alessandri acknowledged the suggestion and noted it would be added to future business items for consideration.
The following members volunteered to serve on the State SARB Subcommittee: Jennifer Gomeztrejo, Amalia Lopez, Nyeisha DeWitt, Mike Winters, Sheri Hanni, Jennifer Elenis, Tracy Schmidt, and Jamie Parsons.
Item 06: 2025–26 Model SARB Recognition Program Recipients
Type of Action: Information
Member Jennifer Gomeztrejo presented an overview of the 2025–26 Model SARB Recognition Program and the recent awards ceremony held at the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance (CASCWA) State Conference. The Model SARB Recognition Program identifies and recognizes outstanding and innovative multi-tiered school attendance improvement programs at both the district and county office levels, and recognized SARBs serve as mentors to other SARBs statewide. The program is aligned with the SSPI’s priorities of improving attendance and behavior and reducing chronic absenteeism.
The application is scored in four content areas: (1) an overview of the SARB, including chronic absenteeism, suspension, dropout, and graduation data; the populations served; and annual goals, objectives, and SARB reports required by California Education Code; (2) a description of the multi-tiered system of support, including referral and early warning systems, use of student information systems, professional development, and supports for unique student populations, mental health, and social-emotional needs; (3) SARB roles and responsibilities, including member commitment, collaboration, and supports and interventions provided to students and families; and (4) letters of support validating the work described. Applicants must score 90 out of 100 to be recognized as a Model SARB.
There were 13 Model SARB award recipients for 2025–26, including nine repeat recipients and four first-time recipients. Twelve recipients participated in the awards ceremony at the CASCWA State Conference, and one recipient received their plaque and certificate in person afterward. A Model SARB panel was held following the awards ceremony to highlight best practices, with panelists representing different regions of the state. Professional photographs from the ceremony will be shared with members when available.
Members recognized Jennifer Gomeztrejo’s sustained leadership of the Model SARB Recognition Program was thanked for continued commitment to sustaining the program. The former State SARB Chairperson David Kopperud was acknowledged by members for David Kopperud’s leadership in establishing the program and his continued advocacy in retirement.
Member discussion highlighted opportunities to elevate and share Model SARB best practices more broadly, including reviving the practice used during the COVID-19 pandemic of producing short (one- to two-minute) Model SARB videos in which each recipient highlights a signature practice. Members noted specific examples of unique practices worthy of elevation, such as conducting SARB hearings in a family’s home language. It was proposed that CDE, CASCWA, and the State SARB work together to build a library of signature practices and make it available through the CDE website, CASCWA, or a similar venue.
Public comment supported additional investment and visibility for the program, including a dedicated Model SARB Recognition Program budget to support publicity and materials; inviting Model SARBs to present at State SARB meetings; exploring an additional award category to recognize districts implementing a specific promising practice that may not yet meet the full Model SARB criteria; and expanding outreach and participation by districts in the northern part of the state.
Members noted that the State SARB, CDE, and CASCWA continue to be close partners in elevating this work, and that the renewed State SARB officer structure provides a strong foundation for advancing the Model SARB Recognition Program in the coming year.
Item 07: Public Comment
Type of Action: Information
Members of the public were invited to speak for a maximum of two minutes each.
Public comment addressed three topics. First, concerns were raised about chronic absenteeism in independent study programs, including how independent study absence data are currently reported and the high rates of potential absenteeism in some alternative schools that use independent study; it was recommended that these issues be taken up as future State SARB items. Second, it was suggested that the State SARB consider inviting educators from other states with successful attendance programs to share practices that California could learn from. Third, it was recommended that a subcommittee on bylaws be established, and that one issue it consider would be broadening eligibility for State SARB membership to include individuals who may not be affiliated with a traditionally designated member organization but who bring valuable community and lived-experience perspectives.
Item 08: Closing Remarks and Adjournment
Type of Action: Information
Allegra Alessandri thanked members for their participation, flexibility, and willingness to step forward into leadership and subcommittee roles.
Future meeting dates: All meetings are on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
- May 21, 2026
- August 20, 2026
- November 19, 2026
Members were informed that additional meeting dates, including the subcommittee, would be shared between now and the May 21, 2026, meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:23 a.m.
Note: These meeting minutes were generated with assistance from Microsoft Copilot.