The Board of Trustees recognizes its obligation to provide a free and appropriate public education to all individuals with disabilities, aged 3 to 21 years who reside in the District.
In order to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, the District shall participate as a member of a multi-district Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) pursuant to Education Code 56195.1.
The District shall enter into agreements with other members of the SELPA in accordance with Education Code 56195.1 and 56195.7.  Consistent with these agreements, the District shall adopt policies governing the programs and services it operates.  (Education Code 56195.8).

Each year, the Superintendent or designee shall provide to the Board any data and/or information regarding the special education funding generated by the district as supplied by the SPI and the SELPA in accordance with Education Code 56836.148.

The Superintendent or designee shall work with the other members of the SELPA to develop a local plan for the education of individuals with disabilities.  The plan shall be approved by the Board and the other members of the SELPA, and shall be submitted to the county office of education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  (Education Code 56195.1, 56195.3)

The local plan shall be reviewed at least once every three years and updated as needed to ensure the information contained in the plan remains relevant and accurate.  The local plan shall be updated cooperatively by a committee of representatives of special and regular education teachers and administrators selected by the groups they represent and with participation by parent/guardian members of the community advisory committee, or parents/guardians selected by the community advisory committee, to ensure adequate and effective participation and communication.  (Education Code 56195.9)

Special education programs and services shall be reviewed on an ongoing basis.  The results of such evaluations shall be used to identify and correct any program deficiencies.

Definitions

Free appropriate public education (FAPE) means special education and related services that are provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge; meet the standards of the California Department of Education, including the requirements of 34 CFR 300.1-300.818; include appropriate preschool, elementary school, or secondary school education for individuals between the ages of 3 and 21; and are provided in conformity with the student's individualized education program (IEP) that meets the requirement of 34 CFR 300.320-300.324.  (Education Code 56040; 34 CFR 300.17, 300.101, 300.104)

Least restrictive environment means that, to the maximum extent appropriate, students with disabilities, including individuals in public or private institutions or other care facilities, be educated with children who are nondisabled, including the provision of nonacademic and extracurricular services and activities. Special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of students with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only if the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in the regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.  (Education Code 56040.1; 34 CFR 300.107, 300.114, 300.117)