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Santa Ana Unified board adopts LCAP revisions and 2026-27 budget; special education spending highlighted
Summary
The Santa Ana Unified School District board approved revisions to the SELPA local plan, adopted the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and approved a proposed 2026-27 budget. Presenters emphasized a projected $211 million special education budget and heavy local funding responsibility.
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education voted to adopt revisions to the district's Special Education Local Plan Area documents and to approve the 2026-27 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and the district's proposed budget.
Board members voted to adopt the SELPA local plan revisions and the LCAP following a public hearing; no speakers addressed the SELPA budget during the hearing. The board then voted to approve the district's 2026-27 proposed budget.
In the district presentation earlier in the meeting, special education leaders projected the special education budget for 2026-27 at approximately $211 million. Janette Anderson, executive director of special education, told the meeting that only about 5% of that projection is expected from federal sources and roughly 19% from state funding; the district's presentation indicated the remaining three-quarters of special education spending would be supported locally. Anderson said more than 82% of special education expenditures are invested in personnel — teachers, related service providers, paraprofessionals, psychologists and nurses.
The district and board framed the budget adoption as part of a larger effort to close a budget shortfall and preserve programs, while acknowledging ongoing financial pressures. Board members urged continued advocacy at state and federal levels to increase special education funding.
Outcome and next steps: The board approved the LCAP and budget on the record; staff said documents will be posted and further fiscal detail requested by members and public commenters will be provided in follow-up meetings.
