CAC rep warns of procedural problems and legal risk in special education services

Matt O'Keefe, the district's Community Advisory Committee representative, reported to the trustees on perceived procedural lapses in special education practice and family communication.

O'Keefe said the CAC revised the informational "yellow folder" given to parents at IEPs to improve clarity and access and has produced a bilingual survey. He told trustees there remain staffing shortages and instances where staff are not trained for roles; "There's tons of legal violations, and there's lawsuits coming," he said, urging the board to engage with the CAC to prevent escalation.

O'Keefe asked for better follow-up and more family-centered practices; he offered his contact information and survey materials to district staff. The board did not announce immediate corrective action during the meeting but the superintendent and administration acknowledged the concerns and pointed to ongoing work with SELPA and policy council representatives.