Los Angeles, CA (Sept 15, 2026) - Board President Schmerelson, along with co-sponsors Board Member Karla Griego, Dr. Rocio Rivas, Sherlett Hendy Newbill, Nick Melvoin, and Tanya Ortiz Franklin, passed a resolution to celebrate our Pupil Services and Attendance Counselors and commemorate Child Welfare and Attendance Month.
The resolution introduces and commemorates September 2026 as Child Welfare and Attendance Month, recognizing the help and support that Pupil Services and Attendance Counselors provide for students and families. Additionally, the resolution calls for enhanced resources to support immigrant families targeted by the federal government and for district staff to raise attendance awareness among all LAUSD families.
“I want to acknowledge Pupil Services and Attendance Counselors this month for the amazing work they do in helping our students get to school,” said LAUSD Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. “Students cannot learn if they are not in the classroom, and our PSAs have gone above and beyond by making phone calls, sending emails, and even making home visits to ensure that students are safe and that they have the resources to be in class. I hope the greater LAUSD community joins me in saying thank you to our amazing PSAs.”
“Every day a student is in school is an opportunity to learn, connect and move closer to reaching their goals,” Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “Child Welfare and Attendance Month gives us an opportunity to recognize the dedicated professionals who work every day to remove barriers to attendance and make sure our students and families have the support they need to be successful. We know attendance is foundational to student success, and we are committed to making sure every student has a reason to come to school and feels supported when they do.”
"Attendance is about more than getting students through the school doors, it’s about removing the barriers that keep them from learning and thriving," said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. "Our PSA Counselors build relationships with families and connect students to the support they need."
"Our Pupil Services and Attendance Counselors take the time to understand the story behind student absences,” said Board Member Sherlett Newbill. “They find solutions to the challenges, connect families to resources, and help students find their way back to school. This resolution recognizes their vital work in supporting the whole child and strengthening our school communities.”
“As we recognize Child Welfare and Attendance Month we are reminded that attendance is an equity issue,” said Board Member Karla Griego. “In order to address barriers to attendance, we must address the needs of the whole child and lean closely to better understand what our families are facing. With the commitment and support of our school staff, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to be present, engaged and ready to learn.”
"Regular attendance is foundational to student success, but getting students to school requires understanding and addressing the barriers they and their families may face,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “Child Welfare and Attendance Month is an opportunity to redouble our efforts to help our students stay connected to school and to recognize the staff who do this important work every day.”
“Attendance is about more than being present in a classroom; it’s about making sure every student has the opportunity to learn, build relationships, and prepare for their future,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz-Franklin. “During Child Welfare and Attendance Month, I want our families to know that we are here to support them. Through outreach and community partnerships, we will continue to provide the resources to ensure school is a welcoming place where students feel supported and ready to learn.”
"The first step to learning is showing up, and we are grateful for our Pupil Services and Attendance Counselors and staff who work tirelessly to make sure students and families have the support they need to do just that,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “I’m proud to recognize their efforts—during Child Welfare and Attendance Month and throughout the whole year—to help our students stay connected, engaged, and ready to learn.”
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