2. agenda additions and reordering · 7d. 2010-2011 report to governing boards: in june, the selpa...

Catherine Conrado, Ed.D 5340 Skylane Boulevard (707) 524-2750Director Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Fax (707) 524-2754

In compliance with Government Code § 54954.2(a), the Sonoma County SELPA will, upon request, make this agenda availablein appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Actof 1990 (42 U.S.C. § 12132) and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. Individuals who need thisagenda in an alternative format or who need a disability-related modification or accommodation in order to participate in themeeting should contact Lynda Scigliano, Administrative Assistant to the SELPA Director, Sonoma County SELPA, 5340Skylane Boulevard, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, phone (707) 524-2752. Agenda and content materials are available for inspection atthe SELPA Office located at the above referenced address.

SONOMA COUNTY SELPASUPERINTENDENTS’ COUNCIL

AGENDASeptember 12, 2011

Santa Rose city Schools' Board Room8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

DISPOSITION

1. OPENING1a. Call to Order

2. AGENDA ADDITIONS AND REORDERING

3. PUBLIC INPUT

4. CONSENT CALENDAR4a. Approval of Minutes: Action

June 6, 2011

4b. Approval of Contracts: ActionRuth Fotouhi: Consulting Services (Not to Exceed $10,608)David Girard, Esq. Consulting Services (Not to Exceed $2,000)Ginny LaVine: Consulting Services (Not to Exceed $20,826)John Lyons: Consulting Services (Not to Exceed $4,000)Redwood Pediatrics: Consulting Services (Not to Exceed $3,500)

5. DISCUSSION/INFORMATION ITEMS 5a. Update on the Sonoma County Charter SELPA Discussion

First Reading of Local PlanCatherine Conrado

5b. Update on the Community Day School SDC InformationRon Whitman

5c. Review Notice of REACH Charter School to Exit Informationthe Sonoma County SELPA in 2012-13Catherine Conrado

5d. SELPA Goals for 2011-12 DiscussionKeller McDonald

5e. Autism Authorization Update InformationCatherine Conrado

6. ACTION ITEMS6a. Consider Revised SELPA Budget for 2011-12 Action

Catherine Conrado

6b. Consider Approval of:(1) MOU with County Mental Health for 2011-12 Action(2) Allocation Plan for Mental Health Services Funding Action

for 2011-12Catherine Conrado

6c. Consider Approval of the Assistive Technology Grantees Actionfor 2011-12Susan Mark-Raymond

6d. Consider Approval of New Members to the Finance Committee ActionCatherine Conrado

6e. Consider Approval of New Member to the Steering Committee ActionCatherine Conrado

7. ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING

8. ADJOURNMENT

SONOMA COUNTY SELPASUPERINTENDENTS' COUNCIL

Date: September 12, 2011 Agenda Item # 4a

ActionInformation/Discussion

Subject: Approval of Minutes

Public Hearing

Summary of Key Issue(s):

Approval of Minutes of June 6, 2011

Summary of Previous Superintendents' Council Discussion & Action:

None

Fiscal Analysis (as appropriate):

None

Recommendations:

SELPA Director Steering Committee Finance Committee Other

Approve the minutes as written.

Attachment(s) to this Agenda Item:

1. June 6, 2011 Superintendents' Council Minutes

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MINUTESJune 6, 2011

COUNCIL IN ATTENDANCE:Doug Bower (Santa Rosa) Sue Field (Bennett Valley)Steven Herrington (SCOE) Nanci Mathison (Sonoma Valley)Keller McDonald (WSCUHSD) Chris Rafanelli (Liberty)Bob Raines (Alexander Valley) Kay Schultz (Mark West)Greta Viguie (Petaluma) Barbara Vrankovich (Cotati-Rohnert Park)

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE:Kelly Brooks (SELPA) Denise Calvert (SCOE)Catherine Conrado (SELPA) Marie Derr (CAC)Greg Englar (SELPA) Ashleigh Flagerman (CAC)Deborah Malone-Larson (SELPA) Susan Mark-Raymond (SELPA)Carlo Rossi (SAY) Deborah Sanders (Santa Rosa)Lynda Scigliano (SELPA) Ron Whitman (SCOE)

1. OPENING1a. Kay Schultz called the meeting to order at 8:03 a.m. Nanci Mathison, Director

of Student Services for Sonoma Valley Unified, acted in Louann Carlomagno'sstead.

2. AGENDA ADDITIONS AND REORDERING2a. There were no additions or changes made to the agenda.

A motion was made by Sue Field and seconded by Bob Raines to adopt theagenda. The motion carried.

3. PUBLIC INPUTThere was no public input.

4. PRESENTATION OF THE SPIRIT OF EDUCATION AWARD4a. Spirt of Education Award for 2010-2011:

The Spirit of Education Award annually recognizes special education programs inSonoma County that are worthy of recognition and duplication, and serve toimprove the quality of special education. While it is a departure from pastrecognitions, the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) was selected as the2010-2011 recipient. CAC co-chairs Marie Derr, Ashleigh Flagerman and EdithGarcia were recognized by the Council but only Marie and Ashleigh were able toattend to accept the award.

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5. PUBLIC HEARING5a. Public Hearing on the County Superintendents' Acceptance of the SELPA Budgets

for 2011-2012:The public hearing was opened at 8:04 a.m. There was no input from the public.The public hearing was closed at 8:04:15 a.m.

6. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS6a. Approval of Minutes:

• May 2, 2011

6b. Approval of Contracts/Agreements:• Lois Alias Consulting Agreement• Laura Alonzo Consulting Agreement• Center for Integral Healing Consulting Agreement• Kathy Farrell Consulting Agreement• Don Lapin Consulting Agreement• Probst Speech & Language Consulting Agreement• Madeline Rasmuson Consulting Agreement• John Samples Consulting Agreement• Lauren Taylor Consulting Agreement• Tanya Mallan Letter of Agreement• Melissa K. Poole Letter of Agreement• Robert Rowen-Herzog Letter of Agreement

A motion was made by Steve Herrington and seconded by Sue Field to approvethe consent calendar items. The motion carried.

7. DISCUSSION/INFORMATION ITEMS 7a. Update on the Sonoma County Charter SELPA:

In an effort to mitigate declining enrollment, and at the direction of the Council, theSELPA office continues to move forward with building a charter-only SELPA forout-of-area charter schools. The following activities have occurred since the lastreporting:• The five out-of-area charter schools who expressed interest in joining the

Sonoma County Charter SELPA have provided written notification to the SantaClara County SELPA and the CDE. Catherine Conrado had a follow-upconversation with the Santa Clara County SELPA Director.

• On May 31, 2011, the SELPA charter team traveled to Santa Clara County andvisited: 1) Charter School of Morgan Hill; 2) Cornerstone AcademyPreparatory; 3) Downtown College Preparatory; 4) Latino College Preparatory;and 5) Voices College-Bound Language Academy.

• Estimated revenue for the charter schools based on current ADA was includedfor reference, minus data from the Downtown College Preparatory Charter.

• David Girard, Esq., attorney for the El Dorado Charter SELPA, reviewed thedraft Local Plan and applicable SELPA policies to be incorporated in theSonoma County Charter SELPA Local Plan.

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• The Charter SELPA Local Plan was completed and is being reviewed by theCAC. Once the CAC has certified its review, the Local Plan will be submittedto the CDE and State Board for approval.

So that member districts and out-of-area charter schools thoroughly understand theprocess and anticipated outcomes of establishing the Sonoma County CharterSELPA, Catherine Conrado was directed by the Council to develop a synopsis toaddress all components of the charge, including: 1) projected start-up costs; 2)service needs; 3) staffing requirements; 4) ongoing expenses; 5) revenue to begenerated; and 6) how the SELPA, member districts and out-of-area charterschools benefit from the charter-only SELPA.

7b. Update on the Community School SDC:The proposed SCOE Community School special day class (SDC) to servestudents that have been expelled has been put on hold, with 2011-2012established as a fact-finding and data collection year to determine how manystudent referrals might come forward. SCOE Special Education will likely bebrought into the fold for funding purposes.

The Council urged SCOE administrators (Georgia Ioakimedes and RonWhitman) to take action now rather than later. Ron Whitman was asked to: 1)contact high school superintendents to schedule a meeting; 2) use currentexpulsion data to develop student referral projections; and 3) to launch theprogram with a class to be opened by mid-2011-2012 versus 2012-2013.

7c. Update on 2011-2012 State Budget and Special Education:• On May 16, 2011, Governor Brown unveiled his May Revise. Factoring in the

recent spike in state personal income tax revenues, the Governor proposes toincrease Prop 98 by $3 billion to maintain funding for K-12 education at currentyear levels.

• For special education programs, the Governor proposes shifting theresponsibility to provide mental health services and out-of-home care residentialservices from county mental health and welfare agencies to school agencies,effective July 1, 2011.

• The SELPA Directors distributed a Position Paper adopted on June 2, 2011 inresponse to the Governor's May Revise and proposal to repeal AB3632. Ameeting is scheduled on June 15, 2011 with key stakeholders at the Capitol tofinalize the changes. Some of the items the State SELPA organization agreed tosupport include: 1) flexible funding; 2) identification of students alreadyreceiving services; 3) allow CMH make recommendations for next year with thecaveat that educational agencies' input be considered; and 4) funding in theamount of $636,000 for 2010-2011.

7d. 2010-2011 Report to Governing Boards:In June, the SELPA provides an end of the year report to the Superintendents'Council for review and dissemination to all Governing Boards. The reportaddresses the major activities accomplished by the Superintendents' Council and

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SELPA operated programs during the current school year. The 2010-2011 reportwill be emailed to all superintendents for board distribution.

8. ACTION ITEMS8a. Election of Council Chair for July 2011-June 2013:

A motion was made by Steve Herrington and seconded by Bob Raines toapprove the appointment of Keller McDonald to serve as the Superintendents'Council Chair for a two-year term, effective July 1, 2011 through June 30,2013. The motion carried.

8b. Consider Finance Committee Recommendation for the Allocation of MentalHealth Services Funds for 2010-2011:

A motion was made by Steve Herrington and seconded by Chris Rafanelli thatupon receipt of the 2010-2011 mental health services funds, estimated at$636,000, revenue be allocated to districts with students in out-of-home careresidential placements on a proportionate share, pursuant to the FinanceCommittee recommendation. The motion carried.

The SELPA was asked to notify those districts with students in out-of-home careresidential placements of the estimated revenue allocation to be distributed bythe SELPA.

8c. Approval of Finance Committee Recommendation for Transportation ExcessCosts:

A motion was made by Bob Raines and seconded by Sue Field to approve theFinance Committee recommendation covering transportation excess costs asfollows: 1) districts are to report their "actual daily cost" for transportingstudents who reside in a licensed children's institution (LCI) or foster familyhome (FFH) and attend a SCOE program; 2) the SELPA is to reimbursedistricts at 100%, funded off the top, with total costs capped at $100,000annually; and 3) any excess costs to be absorbed by districts. The motioncarried.

8d. Consider Approval of 2011-2012 ATC Budget:

A motion was made by Sue Field and seconded by Bob Raines to approve theATC budget for 2011-2012, including continuation of the $20,000 grant toincrease staff capacity in assistive technology and reduce reliance on ATCstaff. The motion carried.

8e. Consider Approval 2011-2012 SELPA Budgets:

A motion was made by Sue Field and seconded by Bob Raines to approve theSELPA budgets for 2011-2012. The motion carried.

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8f. Appointment of Sonoma County LEA Charter School Representatives:

A motion was made by Steve Herrington and seconded by Bob Raines toconfirm the appointments of: 1) Susan Olson, Director of the SebastopolIndependent Charter, to serve as the LEA charter school representative on theSuperintendents' Council; and 2) Elizabeth Edson, Special Education Directorof Pathways Charter, to serve as the LEA charter school representative on theSteering Committee. The motion carried.

8g. Proposed Superintendents' Council Meeting Schedule for 2011-2012:

A motion was made by Bob Raines and seconded by Sue Field to adopt theSuperintendents' Council Meeting Schedule for 2011-2012. The motioncarried.

9. RECOGNITION9a. Members departing the Superintendents' Council are traditionally recognized and

thanked at the June meeting. This year's retirees include Kay Schultz, NoelBuehler, Greta Viguie and Barbara Vrankovich.

10. ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING10a. AB3632 Update10b. Sonoma County Charter SELPA Update10c. Development of Goals for 2011-201210d. ATC Pilot Grant Submissions10e. Autism Authorization Application Process

11. CLOSED SESSION11a. The Superintendents' Council will Conduct the SELPA Director's Annual

Evaluation:At 9:45 a.m., the Council convened to closed session to conduct the SELPADirector's Annual Evaluation.

12. OPEN SESSION12a. Report on Closed Session:

At 10:00 a.m., the meeting reconvened to open session.

13. ADJOURNMENT13a. The meeting adjourned at 10:01 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynda SciglianoSELPA Administrative Assistant

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MINUTESJune 6, 2011

COUNCIL IN ATTENDANCE:Doug Bower (Santa Rosa) Sue Field (Bennett Valley)Steven Herrington (SCOE) Nanci Mathison (Sonoma Valley)Keller McDonald (WSCUHSD) Chris Rafanelli (Liberty)Bob Raines (Alexander Valley) Kay Schultz (Mark West)Greta Viguie (Petaluma) Barbara Vrankovich (Cotati-Rohnert Park)

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE:Kelly Brooks (SELPA) Denise Calvert (SCOE)Catherine Conrado (SELPA) Marie Derr (CAC)Greg Englar (SELPA) Ashleigh Flagerman (CAC)Deborah Malone-Larson (SELPA) Susan Mark-Raymond (SELPA)Carlo Rossi (SAY) Deborah Sanders (Santa Rosa)Lynda Scigliano (SELPA) Ron Whitman (SCOE)

1. OPENING1a. Kay Schultz called the meeting to order at 8:03 a.m. Nanci Mathison, Director

of Student Services for Sonoma Valley Unified, acted in Louann Carlomagno'sstead.

2. AGENDA ADDITIONS AND REORDERING2a. There were no additions or changes made to the agenda.

A motion was made by Sue Field and seconded by Bob Raines to adopt theagenda. The motion carried.

3. PUBLIC INPUTThere was no public input.

4. PRESENTATION OF THE SPIRIT OF EDUCATION AWARD4a. Spirt of Education Award for 2010-2011:

The Spirit of Education Award annually recognizes special education programs inSonoma County that are worthy of recognition and duplication, and serve toimprove the quality of special education. While it is a departure from pastrecognitions, the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) was selected as the2010-2011 recipient. CAC co-chairs Marie Derr, Ashleigh Flagerman and EdithGarcia were recognized by the Council but only Marie and Ashleigh were able toattend to accept the award.

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5. PUBLIC HEARING5a. Public Hearing on the County Superintendents' Acceptance of the SELPA Budgets

for 2011-2012:The public hearing was opened at 8:04 a.m. There was no input from the public.The public hearing was closed at 8:04:15 a.m.

6. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS6a. Approval of Minutes:

• May 2, 2011

6b. Approval of Contracts/Agreements:• Lois Alias Consulting Agreement• Laura Alonzo Consulting Agreement• Center for Integral Healing Consulting Agreement• Kathy Farrell Consulting Agreement• Don Lapin Consulting Agreement• Probst Speech & Language Consulting Agreement• Madeline Rasmuson Consulting Agreement• John Samples Consulting Agreement• Lauren Taylor Consulting Agreement• Tanya Mallan Letter of Agreement• Melissa K. Poole Letter of Agreement• Robert Rowen-Herzog Letter of Agreement

A motion was made by Steve Herrington and seconded by Sue Field to approvethe consent calendar items. The motion carried.

7. DISCUSSION/INFORMATION ITEMS 7a. Update on the Sonoma County Charter SELPA:

In an effort to mitigate declining enrollment, and at the direction of the Council, theSELPA office continues to move forward with building a charter-only SELPA forout-of-area charter schools. The following activities have occurred since the lastreporting:• The five out-of-area charter schools who expressed interest in joining the

Sonoma County Charter SELPA have provided written notification to the SantaClara County SELPA and the CDE. Catherine Conrado had a follow-upconversation with the Santa Clara County SELPA Director.

• On May 31, 2011, the SELPA charter team traveled to Santa Clara County andvisited: 1) Charter School of Morgan Hill; 2) Cornerstone AcademyPreparatory; 3) Downtown College Preparatory; 4) Latino College Preparatory;and 5) Voices College-Bound Language Academy.

• Estimated revenue for the charter schools based on current ADA was includedfor reference, minus data from the Downtown College Preparatory Charter.

• David Girard, Esq., attorney for the El Dorado Charter SELPA, reviewed thedraft Local Plan and applicable SELPA policies to be incorporated in theSonoma County Charter SELPA Local Plan.

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• The Charter SELPA Local Plan was completed and is being reviewed by theCAC. Once the CAC has certified its review, the Local Plan will be submittedto the CDE and State Board for approval.

So that member districts and out-of-area charter schools thoroughly understand theprocess and anticipated outcomes of establishing the Sonoma County CharterSELPA, Catherine Conrado was directed by the Council to develop a synopsis toaddress all components of the charge, including: 1) projected start-up costs; 2)service needs; 3) staffing requirements; 4) ongoing expenses; 5) revenue to begenerated; and 6) how the SELPA, member districts and out-of-area charterschools benefit from the charter-only SELPA.

7b. Update on the Community School SDC:The proposed SCOE Community School special day class (SDC) to servestudents that have been expelled has been put on hold, with 2011-2012established as a fact-finding and data collection year to determine how manystudent referrals might come forward. SCOE Special Education will likely bebrought into the fold for funding purposes.

The Council urged SCOE administrators (Georgia Ioakimedes and RonWhitman) to take action now rather than later. Ron Whitman was asked to: 1)contact high school superintendents to schedule a meeting; 2) use currentexpulsion data to develop student referral projections; and 3) to launch theprogram with a class to be opened by mid-2011-2012 versus 2012-2013.

7c. Update on 2011-2012 State Budget and Special Education:• On May 16, 2011, Governor Brown unveiled his May Revise. Factoring in the

recent spike in state personal income tax revenues, the Governor proposes toincrease Prop 98 by $3 billion to maintain funding for K-12 education at currentyear levels.

• For special education programs, the Governor proposes shifting theresponsibility to provide mental health services and out-of-home care residentialservices from county mental health and welfare agencies to school agencies,effective July 1, 2011.

• The SELPA Directors distributed a Position Paper adopted on June 2, 2011 inresponse to the Governor's May Revise and proposal to repeal AB3632. Ameeting is scheduled on June 15, 2011 with key stakeholders at the Capitol tofinalize the changes. Some of the items the State SELPA organization agreed tosupport include: 1) flexible funding; 2) identification of students alreadyreceiving services; 3) allow CMH make recommendations for next year with thecaveat that educational agencies' input be considered; and 4) funding in theamount of $636,000 for 2010-2011.

7d. 2010-2011 Report to Governing Boards:In June, the SELPA provides an end of the year report to the Superintendents'Council for review and dissemination to all Governing Boards. The reportaddresses the major activities accomplished by the Superintendents' Council and

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SELPA operated programs during the current school year. The 2010-2011 reportwill be emailed to all superintendents for board distribution.

8. ACTION ITEMS8a. Election of Council Chair for July 2011-June 2013:

A motion was made by Steve Herrington and seconded by Bob Raines toapprove the appointment of Keller McDonald to serve as the Superintendents'Council Chair for a two-year term, effective July 1, 2011 through June 30,2013. The motion carried.

8b. Consider Finance Committee Recommendation for the Allocation of MentalHealth Services Funds for 2010-2011:

A motion was made by Steve Herrington and seconded by Chris Rafanelli thatupon receipt of the 2010-2011 mental health services funds, estimated at$636,000, revenue be allocated to districts with students in out-of-home careresidential placements on a proportionate share, pursuant to the FinanceCommittee recommendation. The motion carried.

The SELPA was asked to notify those districts with students in out-of-home careresidential placements of the estimated revenue allocation to be distributed bythe SELPA.

8c. Approval of Finance Committee Recommendation for Transportation ExcessCosts:

A motion was made by Bob Raines and seconded by Sue Field to approve theFinance Committee recommendation covering transportation excess costs asfollows: 1) districts are to report their "actual daily cost" for transportingstudents who reside in a licensed children's institution (LCI) or foster familyhome (FFH) and attend a SCOE program; 2) the SELPA is to reimbursedistricts at 100%, funded off the top, with total costs capped at $100,000annually; and 3) any excess costs to be absorbed by districts. The motioncarried.

8d. Consider Approval of 2011-2012 ATC Budget:

A motion was made by Sue Field and seconded by Bob Raines to approve theATC budget for 2011-2012, including continuation of the $20,000 grant toincrease staff capacity in assistive technology and reduce reliance on ATCstaff. The motion carried.

8e. Consider Approval 2011-2012 SELPA Budgets:

A motion was made by Sue Field and seconded by Bob Raines to approve theSELPA budgets for 2011-2012. The motion carried.

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8f. Appointment of Sonoma County LEA Charter School Representatives:

A motion was made by Steve Herrington and seconded by Bob Raines toconfirm the appointments of: 1) Susan Olson, Director of the SebastopolIndependent Charter, to serve as the LEA charter school representative on theSuperintendents' Council; and 2) Elizabeth Edson, Special Education Directorof Pathways Charter, to serve as the LEA charter school representative on theSteering Committee. The motion carried.

8g. Proposed Superintendents' Council Meeting Schedule for 2011-2012:

A motion was made by Bob Raines and seconded by Sue Field to adopt theSuperintendents' Council Meeting Schedule for 2011-2012. The motioncarried.

9. RECOGNITION9a. Members departing the Superintendents' Council are traditionally recognized and

thanked at the June meeting. This year's retirees include Kay Schultz, NoelBuehler, Greta Viguie and Barbara Vrankovich.

10. ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING10a. AB3632 Update10b. Sonoma County Charter SELPA Update10c. Development of Goals for 2011-201210d. ATC Pilot Grant Submissions10e. Autism Authorization Application Process

11. CLOSED SESSION11a. The Superintendents' Council will Conduct the SELPA Director's Annual

Evaluation:At 9:45 a.m., the Council convened to closed session to conduct the SELPADirector's Annual Evaluation.

12. OPEN SESSION12a. Report on Closed Session:

At 10:00 a.m., the meeting reconvened to open session.

13. ADJOURNMENT13a. The meeting adjourned at 10:01 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynda SciglianoSELPA Administrative Assistant


Date: September 12, 2011 Agenda Item # 4b


Subject: Approval of Contracts

Public Hearing


Consulting Services Agreements:• Ruth Fotouhi: Provide Occupational Therapy Services (Not to Exceed $10,608)• David Girard, Esq.: Provide Legal Services (Not to Exceed $2,000)• Ginny LaVine: Provide rehabilitation therapy/assistive technology (Not to Exceed $20,826)• John Lyons: Provide a one-day "CANS" Training to School Psychs (Not to Exceed $4,000)• Redwood Pediatric Associates: Provide Occuptational Therapy (Not to Exceed $3,500)


The Council annually approves contracts for a variety of SELPA services.


The SELPA operates within its allocation of state and federal funding and adopted budget.

Recommendations:


Approve the minutes as written.


1. Ruth Fotouhi Consulting Agreement2. David Girard, Esq. Consulting Agreement3. Ginny LaVine Consulting Agreement

4. John Lyons Consulting Agreement5. Redwood Pediatric Associates Consulting Agreement




Subject: Update on the Sonoma County Charter SELPA - First Reading of Local Plan

Public Hearing


The new Local Plan for a Sonoma County Charter-only SELPA was submitted to CDE inJune 2011. With some CDE exchanges, it was approved to submit to the State Board;indications are that it will be on the State Board Agenda in November. This must occur inorder to operate on July 1, 2012.

The Charter SELPA could assist the Sonoma County SELPA to mitigate declining revenue asa result of declining enrollment. Without additional revenue, the Sonoma County SELPA willneed to reduce staffing and modify services beginning in the 2012-13 school year. A secondSELPA will be an enterprise requiring time and attention of staff that may divert services todistricts in the existing SELPA.


The Council discussed the option of initiating a charter-only SELPA during multiple meetingsof 2010-11. Continued concerns were expressed in June 2011, about the impact such aSELPA would have on the existing SELPA. Subsequently, SELPA staff met with KellerMcDonald and Bob Raines to examine the issues more closely and to develop materials thatsupport Council members with immediate information on key facts for further discussion, asneeded. See attachment for risks and benefits.


Refer to attached.

Recommendations:


None


1. Time Lines and Analysis of a Charter-only SELPA2. Draft Local Plan




Subject: Update on the Community Day School SDC

Public Hearing


Member districts with high school-age students requested that SCOE create an SDC forstudents who are expelled in grades 10-12. The class must generate adequate revenue tooperate without a deficit. Currently students who would fall in this category are either movedto another high school within the district or to a nonpublic school. Students placed in anonpublic school are eligible for partial reimbursement through the NPS Pool. This practicemakes it difficult for SCOE fees to be competitive with the NPSs.

Ron Whitman will report to the Council on the data received from superintendents.


At the June 6, 2011 Council meeting, SCOE reported that data received from districtsindicated an insufficient number of students from the 2010-11 school year to make a viableclass for 2011-12. Council members responded by indicating that the data were inaccurate.The Council requested that the data be requested from the superintendents rather than thespecial education directors with the goal to establish the SDC for 2011-12. Over the summerof 2011, an email was sent to obtain data for this purpose.


None

Recommendations:


None


1. Memo dated July 7, 2011 from Steve Herrington to High School Superintendents2. Memo dated August 30, 2011 from Ron Whitman to the Superintendents' Council




Subject: Consider Approval of: (1) the MOU with Sonoma County Mental Health Services for 2011-12 (2) the Fiscal Allocation Plan developed by the Finance Committee

Public Hearing


The Legislature and the Governor shifted responsibility for mental health services for studentswith disabilities from County Mental Health to Schools (AB3632), effective July 1, 2011.Funding, services, providers and a Memo Of Understanding with Sonoma County MentalHealth (SMCH) were all in development over the summer. As decisions and proceduresdeveloped over this time period, the SELPA Director sent email updates to district staff.Complicating matters, only certain portions of AB3632 were repealed, leaving other portionsfor California Childrens Services and the Department of Rehabilitation intact.

Districts will need to identify their affected students, identify providers and develop contractsfor them. In addition, there is a need to establish procedures and funding streams forcontinuing and newly-identified students. The Finance Committee recommends the processfor funding as described in the attachment.

Events to date: Multiple meetings between SELPA and SMCH; shared lists of students fromSMCH to districts; procedures for referral to SMCH; creation of a Master Contract forstudents in residential placements, drafted an MOU and ISA between districts and SMCH;established payment for 2010-11; established funding streams for 2011-12; convened ameeting of district business officials to create allocation plan options for the FinanceCommittee; drafted letter templates to parents for district use.

Deborah Malone-Larson and Greg Englar accumulated contract information as well asrevenue and expense data from a variety of sources to enable focused conversation and createprocedures.


The Director reported monthly throughout the year on the status of AB3632 based on StateSELPA Director meeting information. The first Council-specific item on AB3632 was April2011 to review funding for 2010-11. In May, the SELPA received an email from the CountyHuman Services Department indicating a need for reimbursement of $2.4 million forresidential excess costs for 2010-11. The Council directed the Director to send a responseletter in objection since the Sonoma SELPA was to receive an estimated $600,000 for

services. At the June, 2011 meeting, the Council approved the Finance Committee'srecommendation for allocation of the mental health services dollars for 2010-11. The finalamount was $636,905. We await an invoice from SMCH.


Refer to the attached summary sheet and recommendation.

Recommendations:


The Finance Committee recommends that the Council adopt the attached allocationmethodology for mental health services for 2011-12.


1. MOU Between County Mental Health and Sonoma County SELPA2. State Budget Update from June 15, 20113. Sonoma County Estimated Mental Health Revenue and Expenses4. Estimated 2011-11 Nonpublic School Costs5. Group Home Standard Schedule of Rates6. Proposal for Fiscal Allocation of Mental Health Services Funding for 2011-127. Summary of recent law changes and suggested next steps from Atkinson, et al.


Date: September 12, 2011 Agenda Item # 5c


Subject: Review Notice of REACH Charter School to Exit the Sonoma SELPA in 2012-13

Public Hearing


The SELPA received notice on June 29, 2011 from REACH, a charter school in theSebastopol Union School District, that it is considering the El Dorado Charter SELPA for the2012-13 school year. Catherine Conrado had a phone conversation with Debbie McAfee onJune 28, 2011 regarding the options for SELPA membership, including application as an LEAwithin the Sonoma County SELPA. Catherine also sent an email alert to Liz Schott,Superintendent of Sebastopol Union regarding the concerns Ms. McAfee expressed in thephone conversation. It is uncertain whether the school could function as an LEA with such asmall ADA.


None


With an ADA of 63.84, the exit of REACH will reduce AB602 funding to the SonomaSELPA by approximately $46,000 and reduce the Program Specialist/Regionalized Servicesfunding by approximately $1,000.

Recommendations:


None


1. Letter from Debbie McAfee


Date: September 12, 2011 Agenda Item # 5d


Subject: SELPA Goals for 2011-12

Public Hearing


For the past several years, the Superintendents' Council adopted goals for its activities as wellas for SELPA-wide priorities. These goals have served to guide the Council in developing itsmeeting agendas, evaluating the SELPA director, and reporting to district superintendents andschool board members about the achievement of those goals.


For the 2010-11 school year, the Council adopted four (4) specific goals in the areas of:(1) Special Education Self-Review support;(2) Examination of STAR data for students with disabilities;(3) Organizational changes at the Assistive Technology Center (ATC); and,(4) Governance and fiscal issues for charter schools, both in and out of the county.

At the June, 2011 meeting, some general suggestions for goal areas were Mental Healthservices and a special day class operated by SCOE for expelled high school students.


None

Recommendations:


None


1. Goal Areas for the Superintendents' Council 2010-11




Subject: Consider Approval of the Revised SELPA Budget for 2011-12

Public Hearing


On July 5, 2011, SCOE notified all staff of restoration of three (3) of the five (5) furloughdays for 2011-12. The attached budgets reflect the increase in salaries for the additional days.

The SELPA office and staff operate on three (3) sources of income: The RegionalizedServices Budget, Program Specialist Budget, and the Part C/Early Intervention Grants. TheSELPA office stays within these sources of income to operate; the funds do not flow todistricts. The SELPA continues to have some carryover funds in those budgets. Reductions inthese budgets do not increase revenue to districts. The primary sources of revenue fordistricts and services to students are AB602 funds (state and federal special educationfunding).


In 2003, the Superintendents' Council approved a SELPA budget adoption process thatincludes the review of all budgets and timelines. In 2003, a legal summary submitted to theCouncil states that while the Council is responsible for certain employment related functionsand approval of the budgets, SCOE is the employer of record for all SELPA employees.

The Council approved SELPA budgets in June 2011, including 5-day furlough notices for2011-12.


Refer to attachments.

Recommendations:


None


1. SCOE Announcement2. 2011-12 SELPA Budgets




Subject: Consider Approval for MOU with County Mental Health for 2011-12

Public Hearing


As part of the shift of mental health services for students with disabilities from County MentalHealth to schools, the legislature appropriated Prop 63 funds to County Mental Healthagencies for one year, 2011-12. In order to use these funds for mental health services forstudents with disabilities, the county mental health agency must have an MOU with theSELPA. The Sonoma County Mental Health department is willing to "charge" county mentalhealth services against these funds and to use them first before accessing any SELPA/districtfunds.


None


The estimated funding to Sonoma County Mental Health is $1.3.million.

Recommendations:


Approve the MOU with Sonoma County Mental Health to enable access to the one-timefunding.


1. MOU between the Sonoma County Mental Health Department and the Sonoma County SELPA


Date: September 12, 2011 Agenda Item # 6c


Subject: Consider Approval of the Assistive Technology Grantees for 2011-12

Public Hearing


The 2010-11 budget contained a "grant" pool of $20,000 as incentive for member districts toincrease staff capacity in assistive technology and reduce reliance on ATC staff. ATC staffface increased time and caseload demands that render them unable to provide the level ofsupport of past years. The primary factors in this change are the shift in identification ofdisabilities and the increase of autism. The ATC was established to address the technologyneeds of students with low incidence disabilities and SCOE continues to be a major customerof the services. The demand and focus has shifted significantly in the last few years and had aprofound impact on staff ability to meet the needs as originally designed.


The Council approved the ATC budget with program changes as part of a Pilot in June 2010and reviewed the success and challenges of the results from the 2010-11 school year at theCouncil's May 2, 2011 meeting. The Council approved the ATC budget to include acontinuation of the $20,000 grant for 2011-12. The Council was also to review and approvethe grantees for the 2011-12 school year at the September, 2011 meeting.


None

Recommendations:


The Steering Committee reviewed the ATC plan at its April 29, 2011 meeting. Therecommendation of Steering is to continue the grant process for the same amount ($20,000).The committee also recommended that Year 1 grantees continue to be funded for smalleramounts and Year 2 grantees (new districts) receive a larger amount. Steering left thedecision of exact amounts to the review and selection committee to recommend in September,2011 when the results are reviewed. Steering recommended approval of the granteespresented to the Council on September 12, 2011.


1. Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication Pilot Project Process2. Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication Pilot Project Application


Date: September 12, 2011 Agenda Item # 6d


Subject: Consider Approval of New Members to the Finance Committee

Public Hearing


Due to changes in employment, the Finance Committee has the following vacancies whichneed to be filled and require approval by the Superintendents' Council:• Two (2) Business Manager representatives to replace Steve Bolman and Wade Roach;• One (1) Special Education Director representative to replace John Laughlin;• One (1) Superintendent representative to replace Casey D'Angelo; and• One (1) Charter School LEA representative (new position, effective 2011-12).

In accordance with the Local Plan, membership on the Finance Committee is approved by theSuperintendents' Council with representatives selected as follows:• District Business Managers from DBUG are responsible for selecting Business Managers;• Steering Committee is responsible for selecting Special Education Directors;• The Superintendents' Council is responsible for selecting Superintendents; and• The Charter LEAs are responsible for selecting a Charter School Administrator.


The Superintendents' Council approves Finance Committee replacement members selected byDBug, the Steering Committee and Charter LEAs as well as appointing a memberSuperintendent.


None

Recommendations:


The Council needs to select one superintendent to fill the superintendent vacancy.

In addition, the Council needs to approve:• The Steering Committee's appointment of Diane Ashton;• D Bug's appointment of Joe Pandolfo and Anne Baron; and• The Charter LEAs' appointment of Robert Tavonatti.


1. Finance Committee Voting Membership


Date: September 12, 2011 Agenda Item # 6e


Subject: Consider Approval of New Member to the Steering Committee

Public Hearing


Due to a change in employment, a vacancy was created on the Steering Committee for AreaIII (Cotati-Rohnert Park). Cotati-Rohnert Park has appointed Diane Ashton as the interimSpecial Education Director, replacing John Laughlin on the Steering Committee.


The Superintendents' Council approves Steering Committee appointments.


None

Recommendations:


The Steering Committee confirmed the appointment of Diane Ashton to serve as the interimSpecial Education Director for Area III (Cotati-Rohnert Park).


1. Steering Committee Voting Membership


Date: September 12, 2011 Agenda Item # 5e


Subject: Autism Authorization Update

Public Hearing


In accordance with guidelines from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing,special education teachers who are not authorized to instruct students with autism, based ontheir credential skill set, must obtain authorization from an accredited program by October2013. While other disabling conditions will also require additional authorizations, dependingon the credential of the teacher, the attention to the autism authorization is acute due to thehigh rate of identification and intensive service needs of those students.

One of the key issues is how to assist teachers in obtaining this authorization by the deadlinewith the least burdensome pathway at the lowest cost. The Council will receive an update onthe latest recommendations from the Steering Committee.


During the 2009-10 school year, the Sonoma County Office of Education pursued an option tobe a provider of the autism authorization. That bid was unsuccessful. However, in the budgetsapproved by the Superintendents' Council on May 2, 2011, the Staff Development fundspreviously allocated to districts and SELPA funds previously allocated to training in the areaof autism were set aside for teacher reimbursement of costs. The Steering Committeerecommended this allocation of funds, but were scheduled to determine the specificmethodology at the next Steering meeting in August 2011.


Refer to attachment.

Recommendations:

SELPA Director Steering Committee Finance Committee

Other

On August 19, 2011, the Steering Committee approved a plan to support teachers who will berequried to obtain this authorization. Written guidance and a final arrangement with ProjectOptimal is still to be completed. In summary, SCOE Human Resources compiled a listing ofteachers by district who need the authorization. Teachers will send a Letter of Intent to theSELPA; the SELPA will use Staff Development funds for 2011-12 plus "front" the funds for2012-13 and provide scholarships to those teachers who complete their authorization withCCTC by October 2013. The amount per teacher will be based on the number of teacherswho complete their program. SELPA will send funds to the teachers upon receipt ofdocumentation of payment and a notice of completion from CCTC. Teachers may use anyvendor but it is hoped that SELPA could obtain a rate of $700 per teacher (if at least 100teachers enroll) with a scholarship amount of $200.


1. Autism Authorization Certification Revenue Distribution

2. agenda additions and reordering · 7d. 2010-2011 report to governing boards: in june, the selpa...

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