Stockton Unified board adopts plan to address special-education disproportionality for Black students

The Stockton Unified School District Board of Education unanimously approved a special-education action plan after staff told trustees the state identified the district as “significantemente desproporcionado” for a subgroup of students across three consecutive years.

Stephanie R., the district’s director of special education, told the board the designation requires a comprehensive report and corrective actions. “Hemos sido identificados por el Estado, porque nuestro distrito ha sido significantemente desproporcionado,” she said, describing a pattern tied to discipline and identification under the “other health impairment” (OHI) category.

The presentation named four root causes the district will target: disproportionate patterns of discipline and attendance; inconsistent implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and early interventions; limited awareness and accountability for culturally responsive practices and implicit bias; and problems identifying students who qualify under OHI. Stephanie R. said the district has convened three teams, is compiling a multi-step report, and expects fiscal impacts tied to corrective work.

Trustees pressed for specifics on implementation and accountability. Board members asked who is responsible for data and for confirming eligibility decisions; staff said school psychologists and health professionals would play a key role and that MTSS coaching and training are underway. A staff presenter described steps to improve data quality and site-level fidelity, including weekly team meetings and districtwide MTSS rollout.

Trustees voted to accept the plan after a motion and second. Roll call on the motion recorded each trustee voting yes: Presidente Steven, Vicepresidente Colón, Secretary (name listed as “Secretary” in the roll call), Síndico Pérez, Síndico Pris, and Síndico Silva. Board materials and presenters indicated the acceptance was required to comply with state monitoring timelines and to move to the next stage of corrective actions.

The board’s action directs staff to continue implementation and monitoring; presenters said parents will be able to see levels of support for their children once MTSS tracking is fully enabled. No specific timeline for completion of every step was given during the meeting.