Community Advisory Committee (CAC)

What is the CAC?

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the Greater Anaheim Special Education Local Plan Area (GASELPA) serves in an advisory capacity to the GASELPA Board. We bring together parents, educators, and community members from across our member districts to facilitate communication, support families, and improve special education programs and related services.

Participating Member Districts:

  • Anaheim Union High School District

  • Centralia School District

  • Cypress School District

  • Los Alamitos Unified School District

  • Magnolia School District

  • Savanna School District

Who Makes Up the Committee?

The CAC consists of 12 to 24 members appointed by the governing boards of our local Member Districts. To ensure authentic family representation, the majority of the committee is composed of parents, with at least a majority being parents of individuals with exceptional needs.

Membership includes:

  • Parents and guardians of students with exceptional needs

  • Parents and guardians of other enrolled pupils

  • Students and adults with disabilities

  • General education and special education teachers

  • School staff, administrators, and agency representatives

Purpose & Key Responsibilities

The CAC works collaboratively with GASELPA leadership to strengthen special education services, foster home-school partnerships, and support student success.

  • Advise Local Planning: Serve in an advisory capacity regarding the development, review, and annual priorities of the Local Plan for Special Education submitted to the State Department of Education.

  • Support Parent Education: Assist in parent awareness (including the importance of regular school attendance), parent education, and recruiting volunteers.

  • Inform Leadership: Advise the GASELPA Administrator on community conditions, aspirations, and goals for students with exceptional needs.

  • Promote Community Engagement: Encourage community involvement and support local activities on behalf of students with special needs.

  • Facilitate Communication: Serve as an open line of communication between Member Districts, schools, parents, and the broader community.

Meetings & Getting Involved

  • Public Meetings: The CAC meets regularly during the school year. All meetings are open to the public, and agendas are published at least 72 hours in advance on the GASELPA website.

  • How to Join: Members are appointed by their local school district's governing board for a 2-year term. If you are interested in joining the committee, contact your district's Director of Special Education or the GASELPA Administrator.

  • Stay Informed: Sign up for our email list to receive the latest updates, meeting notices, and announcements regarding upcoming CAC events and parent education opportunities. Click Here to be added to the e-mail list.