Read more about NUSD Special Education Efforts

Well before this report was released, the District initiated its own review of special education and began making focused investments and program enhancements to better support students with disabilities and their families.

The report reflects challenges we know are real in Natomas Unified and in school districts across California, including the growing need for specialized services, the difficulty of recruiting highly trained staff, and the increasing cost of providing the level of support students deserve.

Some public coverage has not fully captured the report’s complete findings or the work already underway. It is important to note the report underscores how Natomas Unified remains in compliance with state requirements, while also recognizing the dedication of Natomas Unified’s special education teachers and support staff, who bring compassion, skill, and commitment to their work every day and care deeply about serving students and families.

Natomas Unified has been taking specific steps to strengthen special education programming. This includes added compensation for our highest need classrooms and caseload sizes to better recruit and retain specialized staff, creating a new parent liaison position, advancing the work of our Community Advisory Committee, and using our role as an independent SELPA to make local decisions that support students.

As a mid-sized district, Natomas Unified is proud to offer a high level of special education programming and support. We are committed to building on that work, listening to families, and continuing to improve services and outcomes for students with disabilities.

The rising cost of special education is one of the most significant budget pressures facing school districts. We were encouraged to see the state make an ongoing investment in special education funding this year, and we will continue advocating for resources that better reflect the actual cost of serving students.

This report reinforces why Natomas Unified is continuing to invest in special education, support staff, strengthen family engagement, and ensure every student has access to the learning environment they deserve.