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Board adopts SELPA local plan and annual service plan; special-education budget set at about $279 million
Summary
The Board of Education voted to adopt the San Francisco SELPA local plan and annual service plan, which funds special education across SFUSD and affiliated programs. The plan centers hiring, inclusion, data systems, and partnerships; CAC leaders praised adoption while urging monitoring and clearer community communications.
The San Francisco Board of Education adopted the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) local plan and the SELPA annual service and budget plan on June 17, approving a proposed special-education budget of about $279 million for 2025–26.
Regina Piper, SFUSD SELPA director, and Julia Martin, the district’s special-education ombudsperson, told the board the proposed budget reflects expanded site-based staff and work to reduce reliance on contractors. Piper described a plan that allocates roughly 73% of special-education spending to site-based salaries and benefits and identified hiring priorities for school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists and paraprofessionals.
The district’s plan shows a $279,000,000-plus total proposed revenue package made up of general fund contributions, state and federal special education funds, local sources (including PEAF) and grants. Piper said central-office special-education functions amount to approximately $10.8 million and 66 staff members, with operations and indirect costs accounted for separately.
Hava Kelly, chair of the Community Advisory Committee for Special Education (CAC), praised staff and CAC volunteers for producing the report and urged the board to treat the recommendations as obligations rather than suggestions. CAC priorities stressed inclusion, improved data systems and a multi-tiered approach to behavioral and academic supports. "This is not only legally required, but I argue it is ethically and morally required as well," CAC member Tina said during public comment.
The board adopted the SELPA local plan by roll call (6 ayes, 1 absence). Commissioners noted the district’s continuing staffing shortages and the need for transparent, ongoing monitoring of outcomes and budget execution.
Why it matters: The SELPA plan is a required state-level framework for how special-education services are organized and financed. Adoption authorizes the district to implement the 2025–26 service plan and spend the budget as proposed; it also establishes expectations for reporting and compliance.
What’s next: SELPA staff and the CAC asked the board to monitor implementation, prioritize hiring to reduce use of nonpublic agencies (NPA/NPS) and report back on early-intervention and inclusion metrics.
