In an effort to reduce chronic absenteeism and truant students involved in court, the South Whidbey School District, Northwest Educational Service District and Island County Juvenile Court are collaborating for the 2016-17 school year.

The three-way partnership, which was approved at a school board meeting on Oct. 26, will lead to the development and implementation of culturally appropriate practices and evidence-based services that “include but are not limited to Community Truancy Boards (CTB) and stay petitions,” according to school documents.