Unexcused Absences

The State of California believes that the first priority is that the child attends school on a daily basis. For example, Welfare & AFDC benefits may end or be reduced drastically, if a student misses more than 3 full days of school. Education Code Section 48260-48263 provides definitions and referral procedures for:

• Any student subject to compulsory attendance who is absent without a valid excuse more than three (3) days in one school year is considered a habitual truant. The district will automatically send truancy notifications when a student is marking unexcused (30) minutes or more on three separate days per California’s truancy laws. 

• Any student defined as habitual truant who continues an unacceptable pattern of unexcused absences or tardiness may be referred to the district’s SARB.

• Students with (6) six or more unexcused absences past (30) days may be placed on a Pre-SARB attendance agreement.  This last 365 days from issuance and absences can only be excused with a medical note.

• Any student showing low academic performance may also have their permit revoked.

• Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 601 describes the consequences for habitual truancy if a minor pleads or is found guilty by trial to include but not limited to:

1. Being made a ward of the court (placed on probation).

2. Having a driver’s license revoked or denied until age eighteen.

3. Being placed in juvenile hall for violation of court order.