CAC Meeting Reminder! Tuesday February 3rd at 7:00 pm

The Community Advisory Committee  has a new location on Tuesday, February 3rd at 7:00 pm
Gregory Gardens Elementary Library
1 Corritone Ct.
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Special Autism Presentation: The California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) presenters will provide information for parents and school staff to support the understanding and use of evidence based practices for individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders in the school setting. 

the CAC is the Community Advisory Committee which is made up of parents and educators and represents the community and advises the Board of Education on matters involved Special Education Programs and Services in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. 

A Spanish Language Interpreter will be present at the meeting for free! 

Need more information? Contact Hilary Shen, MDUSD Parent Liaison at (925) 682-8000 ext. 4297 or shenh@mdusd.org

MDUSD Transportation Information by Denise Lambert, CAC Vice Chair

MDUSD Transportation Information for Special Education Students (see full doc HERE)

Here are some special education transportation updates per my meeting with Jeff McDaniel  (Executive Director, Operations) Tom Bishop (Transportation Service Coordinator) and Wendy Aghily (Director of Special Education) on August 19, 2014:

Staff has been working all summer and has implemented changes during ESY to make transportation for the students run efficiently.

 If you have not heard from your student’s driver by Friday, August 22, please contact the transportation department at 925-682-9733 x3710.  Make sure that your transportation information was received by the department at least 2 weeks ago.

If your student’s information was not submitted to transportation, it will take 2 weeks for the information to be processed and for your student to receive transportation services.

There are enough drivers to start the school year.  There are 3 driver instructors who will teach classes every 6 weeks.  2 instructors will be available substitutes for drivers who are absent.   Training will be occurring to staff permanent substitute drivers who will perform other duties in the department when they are not driving.  These drivers will know all the routes and be able to jump in when a driver is absent.

All routes should remain the same, but the drivers may change because of the contract with the union and the drivers’ bidding process.  Any changes will go in effect on Monday, September 29, 2014.  Please prepare your students for that possible change.  Please contact your program specialist if you need information to help with that transition.

The transportation department is requesting the following:

Please have your student ready on time.  If your student is late, it affects the schedule of all the other students on that route.

Be aware that there is road construction in many areas – particularly in Pleasant Hill near College Park.  The routes are scheduled by GPS to be the most efficient.  They are scheduled to arrive at the schools 20 minutes before school starts to insure that the student gets there in time and a time buffer has been added.  They cannot account for delays caused by traffic or accidents.  If your student has not arrived between an hour and an hour and a half after school, please call transportation immediately.

There is only one drop off and one pick up location per student.

For non-emergency calls, please contact the transportation department between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

For all calls, please have your route number, if possible.  This should be on the outside of the bus.  The driver’s name is useful, too.

If you student is having a behavior problem on the bus, please contact your program specialist.

If there will be a change of address, please contact the transportation department as soon as possible.  It takes 2 weeks for changes to be made.

CAC Meeting, Tuesday, April 1st at 7 p.m. - Dr. Meyer to speak on LCAP

MDUSD Community Advisory Committee on Special Education Meeting
Tuesday, April 1st at 7 p.m.
Dent Center 1936 Carlotta Dr., Concord
All welcomed! Bring a friend!
Agenda

Please contact the MDUSD Board of Education and the Superintendent regarding Common Core Funding for Special Education

The one time Common Core funding  plan currently does not address the special education community.  We are asking parents and community members to write to the Board of Education and Superintendent Nellie Meyer regarding this matter as soon as possible.  Please see the supporting information that is prompting these concerns and address your own concerns in your correspondence.

At the last CAC meeting on March 3, 2014, Dr. Kerri Mills spoke on the Common Core Funding needs for special education students.  This is th

• As of last pupil count, we had 3,679 special ed students in the district, which was 11.4% of the student body.
  We have 117 SDC teachers and 77 RSP teachers.
  At the last Common Core committee I had requested:

• Under Professional Development
  Separate funds for special education staff, including instructional assistants, in order to provide specialized training.
  2 instructional coaches for special ed teachers and DIS staff -
  1 for students with mild/moderate disabilities
  1 for students with severe disabilities

• Under the Technology Category
  Computers to be placed in special ed classrooms, to enable the students to develop skills in multiple areas by using them daily; as well as to feel comfortable with the computers to enable them to take the common core assessments successfully.  They need practice every day.  Going to a computer lab or accessing computers on a traveling cart is not practical for students with severe disabilities.
  Each special ed teacher should be given a laptop, projector and printer in order to utilize them at IEP meetings.Under the Instructional Materials Category

• Software and site/district licenses for specialized software, such as Unique Learning Systems, News 2 You, SOLO software, etc.  This is already listed on the plan, but if funds are allocated by site, this may not be the priority for the funds.

• Although not all the items listed above can be covered by the one-time funds, there should be a fair allocation of this funding.  There is concern that if this funding is based on site allocation, the special ed students and staff may or may not be considered at each site.  Additionally, there needs to be consistency between sites. If there was bulk funding, we have more of a possibility of getting discounts as well as larger purchases than each site would.  I hope the technology funds out of Measure C will also be accessed fairly for special ed students. (End of information from Dr. Mills.)

Considering the needs of all students is problematic in many places.  Recommendations will be made by site groups who may not have the knowledge of the needs of our special education students. Please consider this in your correspondence.

Please review the Common Core funding plan as presented by Rose Lock to the Board of Education on February 26, 2014 HERE and write to the BOE members and superintendent regarding your concerns in this matter.

Board of Education names and email addresses

Thank you!
Dorothy Weisenberger, CAC Chairperson

Mount Diablo Community Advisory Committee Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m.

Mount Diablo Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting

Monday, September 3, 2013

7 p.m.

Dent Center, (District office in Concord)

All are welcomed!  Bring a friend!

Agenda

CAC Meeting, Tuesday, 5/7 at 7 p.m.

MDUSD Community Advisory Committee for Special Education Meeting

Tuesday, May 7 at 7 p.m.

Dent Center

All welcome!

CAC Meeting Tonight (Tuesday, April 9)

Community Advisory Committee on Special Education Meeting
Tuesday, April 9
7 p.m.
Dent Center
All welcomed!

Message from CAC Chairperson Lorrie Davis

At the Mt. Diablo School District Board of Education meeting last night, Bill Gillaspie and JoAnn Murphy from the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) presented the FCMAT Special Education Report.  You can access a copy of the report on the district’s website (HERE.) 

Below is the report that was presented by the Mt. Diablo Community Advisory Committee (CAC).  You can continue to share your thoughts/concerns by emailing the CAC Chairperson, Lorrie Davis at lorriedavis80@yahoo.com

Thank you.

CAC Report to the MDUSD Board of Education

FCMAT SPECIAL EDUCATION REPORT HAS BEEN RELEASED

Dr. Lawrence released the FCMAT Special Education Report to the board members at the Mt. Diablo School District Board of Education meeting last night.  Below is a link to the district website where the report has been posted for community input.    Please email me with your comments.  Thanks.
Lorrie Davis  

CAC Chairperson
See FCMAT SPECIAL EDUCATION REPORT HERE.

Get To Know Your CAC Sub-Committees – P.A.C.E. Committee – An Interview with Julie Nibblett

What is the name of your CAC sub-committee?
Parent & Community Education Committee 

What is your sub-committee all about?

We assist in inservice activities and parent education as we encourage parent awareness by educating the community. We also gather information on programs in the community.

What is the goal of your sub-committee?
To help educate and provide resources for everyone in our community.

How does your sub-committee's work benefit special education students?
Through educating the community or providing resource information.

Any info on meetings?
We are currently working on a mini conference with a resource square about Parenting the Child with Special Needs with the help of the Mount Diablo Adult Education. We are also in the process of gathering pictures of every school in our district to be housed on the district web site for parents to down load so that they can make transition picture books for when their child transitions to a new school.

Are you looking for more participation?  How can one get involved?
We are always looking for more participation. There are several ways to get involved by attending the CAC meeting every first Tuesday of the month from 7pm to 9:15pm at the Dent Center. Or, attend the Mini Conference on Saturday February 23rd by registering through the Mount Diablo Adult Education, the contact number is (925) 685-7340, ext. 2771.

Get To Know Your CAC Sub-Committees - An Interview with Denise Lambert

What is the Name of your CAC Sub-Committee?

I am the chairperson of the CAC Legislative Committee

What is your committee all about? 

Our committee follows and tracks bills that are of interest to the SELPA.  We receive an updated list each month compiled by the SELPA.  We follow, observe the changes that happen with each bill and report to the CAC and Board of Education in regards to those changes.  We also write to our assembly members and senators regarding the CAC’s position on the bills that we wish to support or oppose.. 

We attend the Legislative Sharing Day in at the Capitol where our mission is to meet with the Contra Costa County legislators.  We collaborate with our San Ramon and West Contra Costa County counterparts to advocate for our special need students.

We attend events where our legislators speak and participate in as many forums as we can.

What is the goal of your committee?

Our goal is to educate the legislators and the community on how each related bill and law affects special education, our students with special needs and their families.

How does your committee work benefit special education students?

We provide a voice at the State (and eventually, the Federal) level for our special needs students. 

Are you looking for more participation?  How can I be involved?

We are always looking for more members!  If you are interested in being involved, please attend a CAC meeting.  I can also be reached at deniselambert@ymail.com.

Get to Know your MDUSD Board Candidates

All MDUSD Candidates were invited to participate in the Get to Know your MDUSD Board Candidates questionnaire. Candidates are asked to answer four questions in 500 words or less. Their  responses will be posted in alphabetical order on the blog if you chose to participate. 

Debra Mason

(Words 394)

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am 57 years old and was born and raised in Bay Point. I have been married for 32 years and have two daughters and two granddaughters. I consider myself to be a community advocate. When my children were in school I worked part time and served on PTA’s and Site Councils, I am currently on the Riverview Site Council even though I no longer have children in school. I worked as an instructional assistant

for 22 years and then took a full time position as a Recreation Coordinator at the local park and recreation district. I serve on the Bay Point Municipal Advisory Council and the Community Advisory Panel. Since the community I live in is unincorporated and depends upon the county for services, over the years I have become quite successful at working collaboratively with multiple agencies to bring

much needed services into our community such as a health clinic, afterschool programs and a family service center.

What is your purpose for running for the Board of Education for MDUSD?

I am running for the board because I feel that the experience and knowledge I gained working in the classroom, developing recreational youth programs, and service on public boards makes me a uniquely qualified candidate. I attended most of the school board meetings last year and there seemed to be a lot of parents and teachers that felt their concerns were not being addressed. I know that there

are sometimes hard decisions that need to be made but feel they can be done in a respectful way that acknowledges people’s concerns. I think the district needs to adopt a strategic plan and then set about implementing it thoughtfully and intentionally.

What is your background in education and what could it bring to the Board?

While working in recreation I developed programs that used a youth development approach. Some of the programs I started went on to be recognized as demonstrations programs and I became a trainer, going around the state training staffs that work with youth on how to provide exemplary programs. I also have a certificate in Conflict Resolution which is useful when working on a board that has

to struggle with difficult issues.

What knowledge do you have about special education and how do you plan on using that knowledge to support students with special needs?

As a classroom assistant and a provider of programs that were inclusive I have interacted with many special education students. One of the key components of quality youth development is that all children feel physically and emotionally safe, I think this is even more important for children who have special needs.

Barbara Oaks

(Words 399)

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Barbara Oaks, and I am a candidate for MDUSD Governing Board.  I have lived within this district for 36 years.  My two children went to school in this district and I am now the grandparent of an

MDUSD student.  I have been a teacher of students with special needs for 13 years, a vice principal for five years, and retired after six years as a high school principal all within MDUSD.

What is your purpose for running for the Board of Education for MDUSD?

I am running for the MDUSD Governing Board because I want to do what I can to assist in what I see as goals for our students and our community, including high achievement, along with social and emotional support, for our students, respectful, trusting and collaborative relationships with teachers and staff, open communication and positive relationships with parents and community, honest and thoughtful decision-making with integrity, and being fiscally conservative.

What is your background in education and what could it bring to the Board?

I have worked in education for the 25 years, having retired in June, 2011.  I taught students with special needs for 13 years within MDUSD, including high school students with learning disabilities, and adults with severe handicapping conditions.  I also taught business skills within the MDUSD adult education program.  My eleven years as an administrator were also within MDUSD.  Having worked within the district for 24 years, I am well familiar with programs and practices which have been instituted over the years, some of which have been very successful for the benefit of our children.  I want to continue to work to support the academic and social programs for the children and families of this district.

What knowledge do you have about special education and how do you plan on using that knowledge to support students with special needs?

My knowledge of special education is both as one who has received formal education and training in working with students with special needs, and, more importantly, as a practitioner of this knowledge.  Having taught students with special needs for 13 years, as well as adults, I have gained knowledge about the individuality of people, their strengths, and how to best use the strengths of students with special needs.  I have also worked with dozens of families, gaining insight into the family dynamics in a home with a student with special needs.  As a board member, I would use this knowledge whenever making decisions about providing education for students with special needs in all arenas of the educational process, always keeping in mind the needs of the student first and how the decision could affect the student and his/her family.

Sherry Whitmarsh

(Words 384)

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Prior to serving on the board, I was on the district’s Parent Advisory Committee and Budget Advisory Committee. I served on the PFC, PTA and site councils at Bancroft Elementary, Oak Grove Middle, and Ygnacio Valley High School. My husband and I have two daughters, one is a freshman at Baylor University and one is a sophomore at Ygnacio Valley High School.

What is your purpose for running for the Board of Education for MDUSD?

I work full time for an energy company and I have a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration for California State University, Hayward. I believe every child should receive the best education possible. I believe that MDUSD should be attracting and retaining highly qualified staff. This is very difficult during these budget reductions. We need to be creative and develop solutions that will meet our students’ needs and motivate our employees to stay with the district. I still support career-integrated academics. Our high schools need to have a variety of programs in order to make our students career ready or college ready. Programs like the academy model, ROP, and job shadowing help our students prepare for their future. I feel that Response to Intervention (RTI) is important for our students. We need to early identify students who are having learning difficulties and work with them. RTI for some students may be what is needed to get them to grade level.

What is your background in education and what could it bring to the Board?

I do not have a degree in education, but I have experience because I volunteer at schools and have served on education committees. My work experience allows me to understand budgets and what it takes to make teams work. The Board should have a common purpose of wanting the best for its students and staff. It should work cooperatively to find ways to serve.

What knowledge do you have about special education and how do you plan on using that knowledge to support students with special needs?

My knowledge is based on meetings with parents of special education students and discussions with my sister who has a masters degree in special education. She has helped me understand the nuances of special education and the battles that parents fight for their children. It is important that the Board understand that reductions in general education also affect special education. It is also important as a Board to avoid putting special education and general education at opponents. I will continue to be available to special education parents and listen to their request.

Celebration of Success 2012!

Come and join the Mount Diablo Unified School Distrcit Special Education Department and the Community Advisory Committee in celebrating students with special needs.

Last Spring each school site was asked to nominate one student receiving special edcuation support and services who has shown great achievement in any area including academics, OT, PT, speech, social skills, life skills, etc.  We will be honoring those students in a special ceremony at Concord High School.  There will be refreshments, entertainment, awards and wonderful stories of success and accomplishment! 

When: Thursday October 18, 2012
            6:30 pm social hour with refreshments and 7:00 pm ceremony begins.
Where: Concord High School Mutli Use Room
              4200 Concord Blvd. Concord

All are welcome! Join in the celebration!

Mt. Diablo parents worried about proposed changes in special education busing

By Theresa Harrington Contra Costa Times

Posted:   09/25/2012 04:51:03 PM PDT

Updated:   09/25/2012 05:00:10 PM PDT

CONCORD -- Mt. Diablo school district parents are distraught over a plan to begin "clustering" special education students at bus stops instead of providing home-to-school service.

Lorrie Davis, parent and chairwoman of the special education Community Advisory Committee said the district has not provided sufficient data to show why the busing program has to be changed. Parents want to see actual cost comparisons and they also want to see a "third party analysis" that the Fiscal Crisis and Management Team, or FCMAT, used to develop the concept of clustering students at bus stops, Davis said.

Based on the report, general counsel Greg Rolen said Mt. Diablo spends more money on transportation than many other districts in the state. But when asked to provide backup data for this assertion, he was unable to verify it. Both FCMAT and the district have denied Public Records Act request for this analysis from this newspaper, citing the district's attorney-client privilege.

Parent Denise Lambert commented that a report to the board about the district's solar projects was much more comprehensive than its report about special education transportation.

"Collaboration -- not concealment -- is necessary for us to move forward," she said. "I ask the board to continue to provide the checks and balances that your community expects."

Trustee Linda Mayo said she hoped Rolen would provide parents and the board with the answers they sought.

Read more of Theresa Harrington's Contra Costa Times article HERE.

FCMAT Report for Transportation

The FCMAT Report for Transportation was handed to the members of the MDUSD Board of Education last evening.  It is the final report.  It can be found on the District website HERE.

MDUSD Community Advisory Committee for Special Education Meeting- Tuesday May 1st

CAC Meeting
Tuesday Night
May 1st at 7 p.m.
Dent Center
1936 Carlotta Dr., Concord
All welcomed! Bring a friend!

Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting 5/1/12

All are welcome to the CAC Meeting on Tuesday May 1 at 7:00 pm Mt Diablo Unified School District Board Room 1936 Carlotta Drive Concord, CA 94519 Come and learn about what is going in Mt. Diablo Unified School District and how it effects Special Educaiton. Snacks are provided! Click here to review the Agenda Also, review the Draft Minutes from last months meeting that was held on April 3, 2012, the minutes will be reviewed by the CAC Members at the May 1st Meeting.

Don't miss the "You Make A Difference Awards!"

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for Special Education presents the
You Make a Difference Awards!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012
7 p.m.
Mountain View Elementary
1705 Thornwood Drive, Concord

This years recipients:
Laurie Abbey, Lauralyn Amundson, Johnny Applegate, Marji Calbeck, Roseann Colvig, Andy Conley, Rosa Cornejo, Rene' and Magge De Luna (Lions Club International District 4-C3 special Kids Day Event), Sally Bibbs, Austin Green, Kirsten O'Leary, Shani O'Neal, Mickey Pawar, David and Sheila Rowntree (Boy Scout Leaders Troup #1994), Ken Ruiz, Crystal Stull, Ellen Teminello, Jenny Tran, Mary-Ann Tucker, Nancy Villa, Lori Williams and Sarah Young.

All welcomed.

Important Information Regarding AB 3632 Mental Health Funding

A message from Lorrie Davis, CAC chairperson:

In October 2010, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger cut our AB 3632 Mental Health funding which pays for children to receive entitled and necessary mental health services by county mental health agencies. This loss of funding/service means Mt. Diablo School District is now responsible for providing the mental health services without additional revenue to cover the cost. One residential treatment program for a student can cost over $300,000 a year.

Mt. Diablo School District currently has 15 students in residential programs which means an additional cost to our district of $4,856,379. Our district budget cannot handle a hit of almost $5 million dollars. Jerry Brown will be presenting his budget plan on January 10 which is only a week away. Parents NEED to contact their legislators NOW.

Below is a list of The Big Five and links to find your Senators/Assembly Members. PLEASE contact your legislators ASAP and ask that they restore the AB 3632 Mental Health Funding.


California Legislators Contact Info.
California State Senate
California State Assembly
Find your California legislative representatives using this zip code search engine
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Big Five

The Honorable Jerry Brown
Governor of California
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814

Assembly Speaker
John Perez (Democrat-Los Angeles)
State Capitol, Room 219
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 319-2046 Phone
(916) 319-2146 Fax

Assembly Minority Leader
Martin Garrick (Republican-Solana Beach)
State Capitol, Room 3104
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 319-2074 Phone
(916) 319-2174 Fax

Senate President pro tempore
Darrell Steinberg (Democrat-Sacramento)
State Capitol, Room 205
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 651-4006 Phone
(916) 323-2263 Fax

Senate Minority Leader
Bob Dutton (Republican-Rancho Cucamonga)
State Capitol, Room 5094
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 651-4031 Phone
(916) 327-2272 Fax

Thank you.
Lorrie Davis
CAC Chairperson

COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION MEETING, MONDAY EVENING, DEC. 6, AT 7 P.M.

Come to the Community Advisory Committee On Special Education Meeting and bring a friend.

When: Monday evening, December 6

Time: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Place: The Dent Center - Board Room
1936 Carlotta Drive
Concord, California 94519
(925)-682-8000

All welcomed.