CAC Membership
Purpose
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) serves in an advisory capacity to the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA). As established by the California Education Code (EC §§ 56190–56194), the CAC provides a forum for collaboration among parents, educators, agencies, and community members to support the development and implementation of the SELPA Local Plan for special education services.
Membership Overview
To become a CAC member, individuals must first complete the application process. Applications are reviewed, and as vacancies occur, eligible applicants may advance in the selection process to be appointed by their local Board of Education.
Membership is a voluntary position. In accordance with Education Code §56191, the term for a CAC member is at least two years, and membership is contingent upon following the policies and procedures outlined in the Mid-Cities SELPA CAC Bylaws, which establish a two-year term limit with eligibility for additional non-consecutive terms.
Members Appointed by Their Local Board of Education
In accordance with Education Code § 56191, the CAC is composed of a diverse group that reflects the communities served by the SELPA, including:
- Parents of students with disabilities
- Parents of other students enrolled in school
- Individuals with disabilities
- Regular education teachers
- Special education teachers and other school personnel
- Persons concerned with the needs of students with disabilities
- Representatives of public and private agencies (Per CAC Bylaws, community-at-large members selected by the SELPA)
All members listed above, except community-at-large members, are appointed by their local Board of Education. These representatives serve as the connection between their local districts and the SELPA, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of students with disabilities are communicated and considered in the SELPA Local Plan.
Community-at-Large Members
Community-at-large members are selected by the SELPA. These individuals complete the same application process, and when vacancies occur, eligible applicants may be appointed at the SELPA level.
Community-at-large members are individuals from the broader community who are not directly affiliated with a specific school district. They contribute an independent, community-wide perspective to the CAC’s work. These members help strengthen collaboration between families, schools, and the community, ensuring that diverse community voices are represented in the committee’s efforts.
Apply for Membership
If you are interested in serving as a CAC member, we invite you to complete the CAC Membership Interest Form below. By submitting the interest form, you will receive the CAC Application for Membership. Applications are reviewed as vacancies occur, and eligible applicants may be invited to proceed in the selection process, which can include nomination and appointment.
