Special Education Services Update (Open Session)

Summary

A 75-minute Special Education Services Update on the same date as the regular Nov 13 board meeting. Members Kelly, Malczewski, Morgan, and President Perry were present; Hills was absent and Glass did not attend. Interim Director of Special Education Jennifer Moss (filling in while Irene White is on medical leave), Program Specialist Jalen Thompson, and Director of Early Learning Kim Johnson presented enrollment data, service-delivery models, SELPA participation, dispute resolution processes, and department highlights. Of 2,315 LBUSD students, 11% (approximately 268) receive special-education services — below the statewide 13% average. Of in-district SPED students, 64% receive 80% or more of services in general education — exceeding the OC average of 54% and statewide 60%.

Key insights (7)

• Enrollment: 11% of 2,315 students receive SPED services (~268); 89% (~237) served within LBUSD; 31 served outside the district. Statewide average is 13%.
• Inclusion: 64% of in-district SPED students receive 80% or more of services in general education (vs. OC average 54%, state 60%).
• Out-of-district placements: 6% (~16 students) in SELPA specialized programs at Saddleback Unified; 5% (~14 students) in CDE-certified non-public schools or residential treatment centers spread across 10+ programs and 6+ non-public schools.
• Three self-contained classes in district (preschool/TK, K-2, 3-5); the 3-5 class moved to Top of the World this year.
• Initiatives: ongoing dyslexia certification (Orton-Gillingham approach); "Read to Succeed" after-school program serving 16 at Top of the World and 9 at El Moro; December 4 parent workshop "Partnering for Success for IEPs and 504s."
• Compliance: due-process hearings described as "very, very unusual" in Laguna; historically "one or two"; ADR and settlement agreements available (settlements require board approval).
• Procedural votes failed 2-2 (Kelly and Perry opposed): Morgan moved to advance public comment to the start of the meeting, and separately moved to remove governance/bylaws action items in light of the Hills and Glass absences. Morgan: "I'm not a big fan of the statement we are a small district, therefore we cannot. Because what's really important for us to keep in mind is that we are a well-funded district."

Linked timeline events (1)

• Jul 1, 2025 Glass officially begins as Superintendent