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Board approves special‑education restructuring as district prepares to form its own SELPA
Summary
The board approved a phased special‑education restructuring to prepare for SELPA (SULPA) formation, including new professional‑development staff and a compliance/data specialist; trustees emphasized phased implementation and negotiation with labor partners; vote passed 5–1.
The Santa Rosa City Schools Board on June 24 approved a restructuring plan intended to prepare the district for forming its own SELPA (referred to in materials as SULPA). Director of Student Services (Director Fischer) described the proposal as two linked efforts: positions needed for SELPA administration and program-level roles to improve frontline supports for teachers and students.
Staff proposed two new certificated FTEs focused on professional development (IEP instruction, IP management and teacher coaching) and a classified compliance/data specialist to centralize legal reporting and act as a third‑party conduit between state compliance requirements and site staff. Director Fischer said placing the compliance/data role in the district’s information and evaluation department would create an independent check rather than housing it inside special services.
The plan also outlined program-side administrative changes and the possibility of up to approximately 5.5 net additional FTEs at full implementation, with estimated recurring costs in the $530,000–$600,000 range and some one‑time restricted funding identified for transition work. Staff said the longer‑term increased revenue expected from changing SELPA funding would be used to cover ongoing costs, but cautioned exact revenue impacts depend on pending state budget actions and final AB602 calculations.
Trustees discussed timing and labor negotiations. Trustee Medina and others emphasized the urgency of filling difficult vacancies (for example, behavior specialists and account/clerk positions) and welcomed the plan’s flexibility to adjust job descriptions and timing in partnership with bargaining units. Trustee Deator dissented at the vote, expressing concern the plan was premature and could create fiscal or implementation risk.
The motion to approve the restructuring passed on a roll-call vote with five yes votes and one no (Trustee Deator). Staff will continue negotiations with labor partners, refine job descriptions, and return with implementation steps and any needed 45‑day budget revisions.
