SELPA director outlines SIM progress, staffing gains and new ADR funding for special education
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Summary
SELPA director Dr. Hedegard reported that Amador Unified remains in targeted SIM monitoring, outlined progress from the 2023 SIM plan, recruitment and retention initiatives (including bonuses and SEEK partnership), and announced ADR funding and a contracted ADR coach to support local dispute resolution.
Dr. Hedegard, the local SELPA director, briefed the governing board on the district’s progress under the California Department of Education’s monitoring framework (SIM) and on staffing for special education during the March 11 meeting.
Dr. Hedegard said Amador Unified is currently at a targeted monitoring level for school‑age services and that the county office, as a small LEA, remains in compliance monitoring. He presented the 2023 SIM plan progress report — which CDE has accepted — and highlighted activities intended to address timeline compliance, recruitment and retention, and service continuity.
On staffing, Dr. Hedegard said the district has seen “steady growth” compared with prior years but continues to face challenges hiring speech and language pathologists. He described operational steps: a floating medically fragile paraprofessional to stabilize services, contracting for a 0.2 FTE assistive‑technology specialist where appropriate, and recruitment incentives operated through EdJoin and SEEK partnership efforts.
On dispute resolution, Dr. Hedegard outlined new alternative dispute resolution (ADR) funding allocated through the SELPA to support local resolutions before families must pursue due process. He said funds will also be used for professional development and attendance at ADR conferences and that an ADR coach identified by the Department of Education is available for families seeking facilitation.
Board members asked for clarification about data codes and indicators used in SIM reporting, how family and staff input are captured, and which indicators contributed to the district’s designation. Dr. Hedegard responded that staff continue to improve data specificity (reducing reliance on a non‑specific 'code 90' designation) and that chairs of major job titles provide ongoing feedback used in the monitoring process.
The board did not take formal action on the SIM presentation but agreed to continue integrating CAC input into the local plan update and to return governance revisions for board approval in May.