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Director: "Special education is a legal mandate, not an option" — funding and MOE obligations outlined
Summary
Director Heather Felciano told the board that IDEA covers only a fraction of special education costs and that Maintenance of Effort rules require the district to maintain prior spending levels; she reviewed legal obligations under IDEA, Section 504 and ADA.
"Special Education is a legal mandate, not an option," Director of Special Education Heather Felciano told trustees in a focused review of federal and state obligations. Felciano summarized the core protections—IDEA for FAPE and LRE, Section 504 nondiscrimination, and ADA protections—and emphasized that placement decisions must prioritize least‑restrictive environments.
Felciano reiterated funding realities: IDEA Part B typically covers roughly 10–15% of actual special education costs and state/local funds meet the remainder; the district must meet Maintenance of Effort requirements or risk federal funding consequences. She described the district's requirement to reallocate 15% of IDEA funds toward Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CCEIS) if the California Department of Education identifies significant disproportionality.
