BUENA PARK, CA – Buena Park School District has been named a 2022 Model School Attendance Review Board (SARB), celebrating its exemplary practices in reducing chronic absenteeism and boosting student attendance.

Buena Park School District was one of six school districts awarded the distinction by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. The District was selected based on meeting and exceeding criteria in early intervention, professional development and added staff and family engagement and school connectedness.

Dr. Elsie Briseño Simonovski, District Director of Student and Community Services and SARB Chairperson, said each of the District’s schools are committed to providing a friendly and engaging atmosphere that makes students want to attend school.

Dr. Simonovski credited local partnerships with community organizations, law enforcement and expanded programs that encourage attendance, counseling and family resources with earning the award.

“I am very proud of the teachers and principals for the hard work and efforts they’ve accomplished as a result of students attending school during the pandemic,” Dr. Simonovski said. “COVID-19 created a challenge for us all, especially our students. However, despite these obstacles, our teachers and staff were dedicated and deeply invested in improving the educational outcomes of our students amid the pandemic.”

Dr. Simonovski also mentioned that Buena Park School Resource Officer George Gentner, SCS Secretary and SARB member Noemi Talavera, Counselor Jodie Reddingius, Deputy District Attorney and Truancy and Community Outreach member Elisa Kim, Field Liaison and Truancy Mediator Hannah Cohen and Boys & Girls Club of Buena Park Director of Operations Luz Valenzuela-Trout have all been key team members in supporting attendance and achievement in the District.

“We are deeply proud to receive this award from the state – this distinction is an honor for everyone in our community,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “This award is the result of the hard work from countless people within our District. They are making school engaging and fun while also boosting social emotional growth and academic achievement so that our students are prepared for any career they set their mind to.”

Buena Park School District will receive its Model SARB award at the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance State Conference, held May 11–13 in Olympic Valley.