San Mateo County SELPA
Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA)
Vision Statement
We envision a community of excellence where, together with our partners, we improve outcomes for all students because we believe that everyone can thrive.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to transform systems with the communities of San Mateo County so students with disabilities have equitable opportunities to live and learn.
SELPA Signs on: Department of Education Condemned for Ending Support for Students with Disabilities
Broad Coalition Across the Nation and States Calls Upon the Administration and Congress to Protect Children with Disabilities, Reverse Layoffs, and Uphold Access to Key Educational Services
About SELPAs:
In 1977, all school districts and county school offices in California were required to form geographical regions of sufficient size and scope to provide for all special education service needs of students residing within the region’s boundaries. Each region became known as a Special Education Local Plan Area, or SELPA. Learn more by clicking the video at the right.
Today, there are 136 SELPAs in California. SELPA governance structures vary in form, including models for Multi-District SELPAs, Multi-District/County Office SELPAs, Single District SELPAs, Multi-District/Multi-County SELPAs, County SELPAs with Joint Powers Agreements, and Charter only SELPAs. Each SELPA's comprehensive Local Plan describes how it provides special education services pursuant to Education Code.
The SELPA Administrators of California is a statewide association made up of nearly all current and retired SELPA administrators. We meet regularly to obtain the latest information on data and compliance, to share best practices in student programs, to be provided legal updates and state updates, to problem-solve systemic issues, and plan events and trainings that will promote student and staff success.
SELPA Governance
Governing Board
The SELPA Governing Board has the responsibility of adopting necessary policies for the operation of SELPA activities, including, but not limited to, the implementation of the Local Plan for Special Education. The Governing Board is composed of eight members, seven of whom are superintendent representatives appointed by the San Mateo County Superintendents Association and the San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools.
Governing Board Meetings 2025-2026
These meetings are held Tuesdays at SMCOE and are open to the public. If you need special accommodations, please contact the SELPA office three (3) business days before the meeting to schedule the accommodations.
Date |
Time |
Location |
Agenda/Minutes |
| 6/10/25 | 9:30 - 11:00 am | SMCOE - Corte Madera | Agenda | Minutes | Resolution |
| 9/16/25 | 9:30 - 11:00 am | SMCOE - Corte Madera | Agenda | Minutes | Resolution |
| 10/14/25 | 9:30 - 11:00 am | SMCOE - Corte Madera | Agenda | Resolution |
| 12/16/25 | 9:30 - 11:00 am | SMCOE - Corte Madera | |
| 3/17/26 | 9:30 - 11:00 am | SMCOE - Corte Madera |
|
| 5/19/26 | 9:30 - 11:00 am | SMCOE - Corte Madera | |
| 6/9/26 | 9:30 - 11:00 am | SMCOE - Corte Madera |
Governing Board Members
Member |
LEA |
Representation |
Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gina Sudaria | Ravenswood City School District | At-Large Member | 2024-2026 |
| Toni Presta | Jefferson Union High School District | High School District | 2025-2027 |
| Nancy Magee | San Mateo County Office of Education | No term | |
| Sandy Mikulik | Jefferson Elementary School District | Over 1,750 | 2024-2026 |
| Shawnterra Moore | South San Francisco Unified School District | Unified School District | 2025-2027 |
| Bhavna Narula | Bayshore Elementary School District | Under 1,750 | 2024-2026 |
| Marla Silversmith | Burlingame School District | Over 1,750 | 2025-2027 |
| Roberta Zarea | Portola Valley Elementary School District | Under 1,750 | 2024-2026 |
