MOU%20-%20Meridian%20School%20District%20-%20Whatcom%20County%20Juvenile%20Court%20-%202024-2026.pdf

Parent document: Regular Meeting and Budget Presentation-06-12-2024.pdf

Text

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Whatcom County Juvenile Court / Meridian School District
2024-25 and 2025-26 School Years

PURPOSE:

The Whatcom County Juvenile Court and Meridian School District agree to maintain a coordinated and
collaborative approach to address truancy in accordance with Chapter 28A.225 of the Revised Code of
Washington (RCW) through the implementation of appropriate interventions, including but not limited to the use
of Community Engagement Boards.

Upon written agreement by all parties, this Memorandum of Understanding may be revised to accommodate
changes in law, changes in Whatcom County Juvenile Court or Meridian School District policies and procedures, or
upon written request by either party. This agreement will expire on June 30", 2026, unless otherwise agreed
upon in writing by both parties.

COMMITMENTS:
The Meridian School District agrees to:

1. Identify a designee to coordinate school district efforts to address chronic school absenteeism and truancy.

2. Take data-informed steps as required to eliminate or reduce student absences.

3. Maintain and utilize Community Engagement Boards and other coordinated interventions to address chronic
school absenteeism and truancy.

4. Ensure that Community Engagement Boards include members who have the required knowledge or training
and perform the duties identified in the RCW.

5. File petitions and supporting documentation with juvenile court in accordance with the RCW.

6. Provide updates to the court as needed regarding additional unexcused absences, actions taken by the school
district, and the student’s academic status.

7. Participate in trainings as needed regarding truancy court procedures and in support of coordinated
interventions, including but not limited to Community Engagement Boards, to address chronic school
absenteeism and truancy.

The Whatcom County Juvenile Court agrees to:

1. Work with the Meridian School District to identify training needs regarding truancy court procedures,
including the petition process, and provide training as needed.

2. Provide support to the Meridian School District in the implementation of coordinated interventions, including

but not limited to Community Engagement Boards, to address chronic school absenteeism and truancy.

Provide notification to the Meridian School District of scheduled court hearings regarding truancy.

4. Communicate with the Meridian School District regarding the outcome of truancy court proceedings, any
change in juvenile court policies or procedures impacting truancy, and other relevant information regarding
truancy cases in Whatcom County Juvenile Court.

w

Signature of Superintendent or designee Date
Meridian School District

ig e of Presiding Judge oA\designee ate
atom County Juvenile Court
Memorandum of Understanding

Whatcom County Juvenile Court / Meridian School District
Expiration Date: 6/30/2026