Board approves SELPA local plan sections; district to contribute roughly $20–21 million to special education

The Natomas Unified School District board closed a public hearing and approved sections of the local special-education plan required by the California Department of Education, after a presentation explaining services and the plan’s funding structure.

"All SELPAs are required to submit a local plan to CDE annually for approval," Assistant Superintendent for Special Education Corey Olsen told the board while outlining required sections and the annual budget plan. Olsen noted that federal and state restricted funding does not fully cover the district’s projected costs.

Olsen presented the district’s projected special-education costs at "close to 42,000,000" and said "the district contribution is expected to be a little over $20,000,000," explaining that state and federal revenues only cover a portion and the district must supplement the remainder from the unrestricted general fund.

The presentation also described program changes and supports, including hiring three program specialists and adding parent-liaison staff and moderate homeroom placements for grades 1–6 with additional planning for grades 7–12. Trustees asked clarifying questions about funding trends and the difference between federal, state and local contributions; staff noted state funding increased significantly this year while federal increases were minor.

Following discussion, the board moved to close the hearing and approved the listed sections of the SELPA plan by roll call (motion passed 4–0). Staff said the local plan documents will be submitted per state timelines and that the plan remains a living set of allocations and service descriptions.