Santa Rosa City SELPA
Santa Rosa Elementary School District and Santa Rosa High School District are in the process of applying to become their own muli-district Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) and leaving the Sonoma County SELPA.
FAQ
What is a SELPA?
A SELPA is a Special Education Local Plan Area. In 1977, all school districts and county school offices were mandated to form consortiums in geographical regions of sufficient size and scope to provide for all special education service needs of children residing within the region boundaries. A region might be a group of many small districts or a large single district, but each region must be of sufficient size and scope to provide the full continuum of services for children and youth residing within the region boundaries.
What is the function of a SELPA?
Each SELPA provides for the special education service needs of children residing within the region’s boundaries. In addition, each SELPA must develop a local plan describing how it will provide special education services and is responsible for monitoring all required areas of compliance and for submitting budgets and data reports to the California Department of Education (CDE).
How will the Santa Rosa City SELPA be different from the Sonoma County SELPA?
In a multi-district SELPA like the Sonoma County SELPA, decisions about resources, policies, procedures and training provided must be agreed upon and shared by the Superintendents Council which includes all of the Superintendents in Sonoma County. When conflicting needs arise, all of the members of the Sonoma County SELPA must reach a compromise. As its own SELPA Santa Rosa City Schools has direct control of the special education resources, policies, procedures and training provided to meet identified needs.
What is the Local Plan?
The Local Plan for a SELPA outlines policies and procedures describing how it will provide special education services, monitor compliance and allocate resources to support students.
Why is Santa Rosa City becoming its own SELPA?
- It will provide Santa Rosa City Schools with a direct voice at state meetings to advocate for our students' needs.
- Keeping students and their families connected with their neighborhood and community Increasing the capacity to improve programs and services for students
- Maintaining oversight of the programs and services to ensure program quality
- Keeping and utilizing resources directly with Santa Rosa City students
- Delivering services and resources to students will be expedited and more efficient
Who has responsibility for oversight of a SELPA?
The SELPA is required to monitor policies, procedures, resources, budgets and compliance with all federal and state requirements. The Santa Rosa City Schools Board of Education will have oversight and approval of the SELPA. The SELPA is also required to submit reports, data, and budgets to the California Department of Education (CDE). All SELPAs are monitored by CDE.
What will change when Santa Rosa City Schools becomes its own SELPA?
- Santa Rosa City will have direct control of the special education resources allocated to use with our students
- Santa Rosa City will be able to improve existing and develop programs and services for new students
- The Santa Rosa City Community Advisory Committee will have direct participation in developing policies and programs for our students
- Santa Rosa City will submit special education budgets and data reports directly to the California Department of Education
What will not change when Santa Rosa City becomes its own SELPA?
- IEP services and supports will not be changed
- IEP teams will still be making the decisions about student services and supports
- Students participating in programs outside the district will remain in the programs
- The district will continue to improve current programs and services; however there will be greater capacity to make improvements.
What is the process for Santa Rosa City to form its own SELPA?
Santa Rosa City was required to submit a letter of intent to the County Superintendent, the California Department of Education and all of the members of the current Sonoma County SELPA in which Santa Rosa City is a member. SRCS is required to develop a Local Plan and a committee has been formed to complete this work. The final draft of the Local Plan is approved by the Santa Rosa City Schools Board of Education The Local Plan is submitted to the Sonoma County Superintendent for approval by June 1, 2026.
What is the target date for Santa Rosa City to have its own SELPA?
The target date is July 1, 2026.
Be A Part of the Process
As part of our process to develop a Santa Rosa City SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area) we are looking for members for our Community Advisory Committee (CAC), which would meet regularly to review the SELPA and special education in both the Santa Rosa Elementary School District and Santa Rosa High School District and provide input and advice for improving our services to students. The CAC is very important for providing a forum for regular input and review of our special education programs and practices.
The committee will typically meet 4 times per school year.
