SFUSD adopts SELPA local plan and preliminary Special Education budget amid federal CCES sanction

The Board adopted the San Francisco SELPA Local Plan and the preliminary Special Education 2021–22 budget during a public hearing June 8. Chief of Special Education Jean Robertson and staff outlined the SELPA responsibilities, the scope of services and key budget drivers. Staff noted that about 72–73% of SELPA expenditures are site‑based salaries and benefits (teachers, paraeducators and service staff), with a sizable portion of the remaining budget supporting nonpublic agencies (NPAs), nonpublic schools (NPS) and consultants to fill specialized service gaps.

The special‑education presentation highlighted a recent state monitoring outcome that identified disproportionality in special‑education placements. Under federal requirements districts found significantly disproportionate must set aside 15% of their IDEA funds for general‑education interventions (the Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services, CCES) aimed at reducing disproportionate identification and improving early supports. Robertson said the plan will be submitted to the California Department of Education following board discussion and community advisory committee (CAC) input, with implementation expected this fall if approved by the state.

Budget highlights and priorities: staff said they expect growth in assessments and identification as pandemic‑era evaluations are completed; they plan targeted hiring in preschool services, behavior/psychology and reading intervention capacity; and they will continue efforts to reduce reliance on expensive NPAs/NPS over time by building internal capacity. Staff also noted that Medi‑Cal billing and grant funds are leveraged to support mental‑health services, and that legal claims and parent reimbursements are budgeted at historical levels.

Public input and next steps: the board heard public praise from the CAC and CAC members who commended engagement and the set‑aside for CCES, and also requests for a more detailed line‑item breakdown for community review. The board approved the plan by roll call vote. Staff will finalize the plan documents, conduct follow‑up meetings with CAC and the state, and return with any requested clarifications and the CCES implementation timeline.