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Board creates Special Education Committee after parents petition countywide CAC consolidation
Summary
Trustees voted unanimously to add a district-level Special Education Committee to give parents a local forum after parents said the countywide Community Advisory Committee (CAC) consolidation left local concerns unaddressed.
The Santa Clara Unified Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Sept. 11 to add a district-level Special Education Committee to provide a local forum for parents, staff and community members to work with district administrators on special-education programs.
Why it was added: Trustee Michelle Fairchild introduced the item after parents submitted letters in April requesting a local committee. Parents told the board that five formerly local CACs had been consolidated into a single countywide CAC and that the county group’s size and midday meeting times limited its ability to address local needs, hold transition events, provide parent education and host support groups.
What parents asked for: The petition read to the board asked trustees to "establish a Committee for Special Education that reports directly to each school board" so that parents can have a place to raise problems before disputes escalate into litigation. Petitioners asked for a panel including administrators, teachers, parents, community members and students to work on local needs such as curriculum for alternative diplomas, inclusion training, and local resource fairs.
Board discussion and vote: Trustees discussed prior experience with a district-level committee and agreed the countywide CAC does not fully meet local needs. Trustee Ryan and others recalled successful local CAC activities such as parent resource fairs and transition events. The board voted 7–0 (student trustee voting yes) to add the Special Education Committee; trustees said details about membership, bylaws and reporting will be developed and returned to the board.
Next steps: Trustees directed staff to work out the committee’s structure, roles and membership and said staff should provide recommended committee bylaws and a reporting schedule to the board. Parents and advocates said they will participate in the committee’s design.
Ending: Parents at the meeting described the vote as a needed step to rebuild local supports and improve parent-district communication on special-education issues.
