This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Student Absenteeism Webinar

Turning Attendance Data Into Family Action

Wed., April 01, 2026, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
Add to Calendar
Price: Free
  • Save to favorites
  • Print

When educators reach the right families with the right information, kids come to school. This California school district proved it.

One year ago, Arvin Union Elementary School District’s chronic absenteeism rate was pushing 14%. Today it’s under 7% and still falling. Overall attendance hit 97.1%. Average absences per student dropped by more than half. Every school in the district improved.

Every absence has a story. Arvin Union built a system to uncover it. Instead of reacting after students were already chronically absent, the district used attendance data to identify which families needed outreach, uncover the real barriers keeping kids from class, and connect educators with families before patterns became permanent. They paired that insight with a cultural shift: from “you’re late again” to “we’re so glad you’re here.”

In this webinar, you’ll hear from leaders across the system, a principal, a student success facilitator, and a district parent ambassador, about what it took to turn district strategy into school-site action.

If chronic absenteeism is on your board’s agenda, this is the hour that changes your approach.

Speakers
Ricardo Salinas
Principal Bear Mountain Elementary
Ricardo Salinas Jr. proudly serves the same community that shaped him. Since beginning his career in education in 2003, he has remained committed to supporting students, families, and school communities. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from California State University, Bakersfield, and went on to complete a master’s degree in educational administration in 2007. He taught in the classroom until 2019, when he became vice principal at Bear Mountain Elementary. In 2023, he transitioned into the role of principal, continuing his dedication to student success and school improvement.
Sarai Kress
District Parent Ambassador Arvin Union School District
Sarai Kress has proudly served the Arvin Union School District for 18 years in a variety of roles supporting students and families. She spent 10 years as a site coordinator for the after-school program, 2 years as a resource specialist teacher, and also worked as an independent studies clerk. She currently serves as the parent ambassador coordinator, where she focuses on building strong partnerships between schools and families. Her vision for education is grounded in meaningful family engagement and collaboration.
Amelia Azpitarte
Student Success Facilitator Bear Mountain Elementary
Amelia Azpitarte serves the Arvin Union School District as a student success facilitator at Bear Mountain Elementary School. Before joining the Arvin Union School District in 2007, she graduated from Bakersfield College with a degree in human services.

She has worked in the education field for 19 years at AUSD, serving in many roles before transitioning into her current position. She is passionate about her work and is committed to supporting students and families in achieving the best opportunities and the highest quality education possible.
Moderator
Brenda Tapp
Lead Customer Success Manager SchoolStatus

For all webinars broadcast by Education Week after August 1, 2019, Certificates of Completion are available to all registered live attendees who attend 53 minutes or more of this webinar. Educators can download a PDF certificate verifying 1 hour of Professional Development credit. As with all professional development hours delivered, Education Week recommends each educator verify ahead of the webinar broadcast that the content will qualify for professional development in your school, district, county, or state with your supervisor, human resources professional, and/or principal or superintendent’s office.

Education Week is serving only as the host for this presentation. The content was created by the sponsor. The opinions expressed in this webinar are those of the sponsor and do not reflect the opinion of or constitute an endorsement by Editorial Projects in Education or any of its publications.

A transcript will be available for download from the resource list within five business days after the event.

Your e-mail address may be used to communicate with you about your registration, related products and services, and offers sent to you directly from sponsors. Use of your personal information is otherwise protected according to our privacy policy.

Events

This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Artificial Intelligence Webinar
Managing AI in Schools: Practical Strategies for Districts
How should districts govern AI in schools? Learn practical strategies for policies, safety, transparency, and responsible adoption.
Content provided by Lightspeed Systems
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Artificial Intelligence Webinar
AI in Schools: What 1,000 Districts Reveal About Readiness and Risk
Move beyond “ban vs. embrace” with real-world AI data and practical guidance for a balanced, responsible district policy.
Content provided by Securly
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Recruitment & Retention Webinar
K-12 Lens 2026: What New Staffing Data Reveals About District Operations
Explore national survey findings and hear how districts are navigating staffing changes that affect daily operations, workload, and planning.
Content provided by Frontline Education