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District continues study of forming local SELPA, staff cite modest projected savings and many uncertainties
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Summary
Staff updated the subcommittee on a study to form a district SELPA, citing a phase‑1 estimate of roughly $1.5–$1.6 million in savings over two years but noting impacts on regional programs, county relationships and substantial unknowns; a target formation date of 07/01/2026 was discussed but could slip to 2027.
Santa Rosa City Schools staff told the finance subcommittee on Nov. 3 that the district is proceeding with a study to form its own Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), and that initial analysis shows potential, but uncertain, fiscal benefits.
Staff said School Services completed a phase‑1 feasibility study that showed an initial fiscal benefit in the neighborhood of $1.5 million to $1.6 million across the first two years, but cautioned the estimate contains ‘‘a fair number of uncertainties and unknowns.’’ Based on that work the district intends to continue the study and pursue further legal and fiscal analysis with outside counsel and partners.
Programs and timing: staff warned that forming a SELPA raises practical questions about existing regional programs. For example, the district operates a regional deaf/hard‑of‑hearing (DHH) program at Hidden Valley serving 18 students (4 SRCS students, 14 from other districts). The county SELPA currently funds some regional placements and itinerant services; staff discussed options such as inter‑SELPA agreements or memoranda of understanding with the county office (SCOE) to manage transitions.
Timeline and constraints: staff said a target formation date of July 1, 2026 is optimistic but possible, and that some work could push formation to July 1, 2027 depending on legal and operational requirements. The county SELPA asked for a timeline so it could plan budgets and staffing; staff noted a March 15 budget/timing consideration for SELPA staffing decisions.
Potential administrative impacts: staff said forming a SELPA could add reporting and fiscal responsibilities but might also provide roughly $300,000 in regional program specialist funding that could help offset some administrative costs if the district shifts eligible expenditures into SELPA operations.
Next steps: staff will continue legal and fiscal analysis, coordinate with SCOE and outside counsel, and return to trustees with further recommendations and timelines. No formal decision was made at this meeting.
