Equity. Access.
Inclusion. Community.
The Foothill Special Education Local Plan Area, or SELPA, is a partnership among Burbank Unified School District, Glendale Unified School District, and La Cañada Unified School District. Together, these districts coordinate special education programs, services, resources, and supports for students with disabilities throughout the region.
A SELPA is not a separate school district. Each member district continues to operate under the authority of its own locally elected Board of Education and remains responsible for providing appropriate special education services to its students. The SELPA provides a regional structure through which the member districts can plan collaboratively, share resources, and ensure that a full continuum of services is available. California requires every school district to participate in a SELPA and to operate under an approved Local Plan. (California Department of Education)
The Foothill SELPA is a multi-district SELPA. Its governance structure brings together district leaders, special education administrators, families, educators, and community members to support coordinated decision-making.
The Foothill SELPA Superintendents’ Council serves as the primary regional governing body for the SELPA. It includes the superintendent of each member district or the superintendent’s designated representative.
The Superintendents’ Council provides direction regarding matters that affect the SELPA as a whole, including:
Regional special education priorities
The SELPA Local Plan
Regional programs and services
Allocation and use of special education resources
Interdistrict agreements and shared responsibilities
Policies and procedures affecting member districts
Recommendations presented by district administrators and the Community Advisory Committee
The Council works to reach decisions that serve the collective interests of students with disabilities throughout the Foothill SELPA.
Under the direction of the Superintendents’ Council, the SELPA Director's role is to lead a collaborative system that ensures every member district can provide high-quality, legally compliant special education services while maximizing shared resources and improving outcomes for students with disabilities. This requires balancing legal compliance, fiscal stewardship, program innovation, and collaborative leadership across multiple independent school districts.
The SELPA Director works with member districts to:
Coordinate regional programs and specialized services
Support compliance with state and federal special education requirements
Facilitate collaborative planning and problem-solving
Provide professional learning and technical assistance
Coordinate special education funding and reporting
Support continuous improvement and improved student outcomes
Promote equitable access to programs and services throughout the region
The Director also serves as a liaison among the member districts, families, community agencies, the Los Angeles County Office of Education, and the California Department of Education. (Foothill SELPA)
The special education administrators from each member district meet regularly with the SELPA Director to discuss regional needs, review proposed policies and procedures, coordinate services, and develop recommendations for the Superintendents’ Council.
This collaboration helps ensure that regional decisions reflect the needs and perspectives of all three member districts.
Glendale Unified School District serves as the Administrative Unit for the Foothill SELPA.
The Administrative Unit provides fiscal and operational support to the SELPA, including receiving and distributing certain special education funds, maintaining financial records, employing SELPA personnel, and supporting the administrative responsibilities identified in the Local Plan.
Serving as the Administrative Unit does not give Glendale Unified authority over the educational decisions of the other member districts. Each district retains responsibility for its own students, schools, personnel, and special education programs. (LACOE)
The Community Advisory Committee for Special Education, commonly known as the CAC, is an important part of SELPA governance.
The CAC includes parents and guardians of students with disabilities, educators, agency representatives, students, and other community members interested in special education.
The CAC:
Advises the SELPA and member districts regarding special education programs and services
Reviews and provides input on the SELPA Local Plan
Communicates the perspectives and priorities of families
Promotes family education, awareness, and engagement
Supports collaboration among families, schools, and community partners
Encourages practices that advance equity, access, inclusion, and positive outcomes for students
California law requires the CAC to participate in the development and review of the SELPA Local Plan. CAC meetings are open to the public, and families and community members are encouraged to participate. (Foothill SELPA)
The Local Plan is the foundational governance document for the Foothill SELPA. It explains how the member districts work together to provide special education programs and services in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and California law.
The Local Plan includes information about:
Governance and administration
District and SELPA responsibilities
Regional programs and services
Distribution and use of special education funding
The continuum of educational placement options
Family and community participation
Compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement
The Local Plan is developed collaboratively, reviewed by the CAC, approved by the governing boards of the member districts, reviewed by the Los Angeles County Office of Education, and submitted to the California Department of Education. (California Department of Education)
SELPA governance is designed to promote collaboration, transparency, and shared responsibility. Depending on the issue, a proposal may be reviewed by district special education administrators, the SELPA Director, the CAC, the Superintendents’ Council, and the member district Boards of Education.
Public review and formal approval are required for certain Local Plan, budget, and service-plan actions. This process helps ensure that decisions are informed by educational, fiscal, legal, administrative, and family perspectives.
The SELPA and its member districts have different but connected responsibilities.
Member districts are responsible for:
Identifying and evaluating students who may need special education
Developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs
Providing services to students enrolled in their schools
Employing and supervising district staff
Maintaining student records
Communicating directly with families
Ensuring compliance within district-operated programs
The Foothill SELPA is responsible for regional coordination, including:
Maintaining and implementing the Local Plan
Supporting a full continuum of special education services
Coordinating regionalized programs and specialized personnel
Providing technical assistance and professional development
Supporting fiscal allocation, reporting, and accountability
Coordinating data, monitoring, and compliance activities
Supporting the CAC and family engagement
Facilitating collaboration among member districts and community agencies
Families, educators, students, and community members are important partners in SELPA governance.
Members of the public may participate by:
Attending CAC meetings
Attending public hearings regarding the SELPA’s annual budget and service plans
Reviewing Local Plan documents
Providing public comment
Contacting the Foothill SELPA or their local school district
Participating in family workshops, committees, and community events
Through shared governance and regional collaboration, the Foothill SELPA works to collectively leverage resources and ensure the success of all students.
Equity. Access. Inclusion. Community.