ICRS 2025-2026: UPDATE & RESPONSE (FEB 2025)
SOMSD held three Special Education Virtual Town Halls (2/21, 2/24, 3/3), with a presentation that outlined changes to the K-5 inclusion model planned for next year, as well as an in-person Community Conversation with Superintendent Bing on 2/25. During these sessions, our Special Education parent community overwhelmingly voiced their preference to continue with the current fully co-taught inclusion model in elementary and we were pleased to receive a letter from Mr. Bing stating that they will be maintaining the model for the next school year.
However, SEPAC also believes it’s important to point out that during the 2/27 BOE Meeting, Mr. Bing stated “I’m happy to say that with the news we got from the state, we will be keeping our model in place for the next school year.” This indicates that the decision to remove the special education teachers from their own classrooms to work with multiple classes was ultimately determined by the budget.
SEPAC SOMA President Beth Cosentino spoke at the February 2025 Board of Education meeting on behalf of the Executive Board, thanking the district for committing to keep our current K-5 in-class resource support model in place for the 2025-2026 school year.
“The SEPAC SOMA Executive Board was very pleased with this outcome as we have expressed our concerns and shared numerous questions around the proposed change. The priority for us is that every student has the support and services they require to not only be side-by-side with their non-disabled peers, but to thrive alongside them. This is what inclusion in our district looks like.”
► Read Beth’s full letter to the BOE
Thank you to everyone who attended the town halls, sent emails, and spoke up at the Community Conversation. We urge our Special Education community to stay engaged: attend district meetings, town halls, and board of education meetings; share your experiences and priorities with SEPAC SOMA through our Parent Liaisons or our VP of Family Support; and always ask questions. You are the very best advocate for your child … and adding your voice benefits all children with disabilities in our district.
SEPAC SOMA 