The 2023 Lassen Grand Jury, under Presiding Lassen Superior Court Judge Nareau, has issued its final report. Foreperson, Richard Rados, in a letter addressing Nareau of the jury’s commission, emphasized that this term was notable for overcoming COVID-related obstacles that hampered the quorum of past jurors’ ability to meet and conduct business.
The grand jury investigated six complaints from the community, and produced findings from interviews and investigations about Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Special Education Compliance in Lassen County schools.
The findings showed that all districts struggled to implement IEP and special education plans due to insufficient funding. State mandates require integrating students with IEP plans into regular classrooms with teacher’s aides, but lack of funding hindered staff recruitment and retention.
The investigation revealed a concerning cycle, in that funding shortfalls resulted from inadequate oversight of special education plans by school boards and superintendents, negatively impacting student attendance, thus reducing funding, and inadequately executing SPED plans throughout many Lassen County schools. The jury noted from interviews with parents that they withdrew their children from the schools due to poor IEP implementation, aggravating the financial challenges.
To address these issues, the Grand Jury recommended conducting thorough audits and establishing oversight committees to monitor SPED plans and IEPs.
The Lassen County grand jury comprises 19 citizens who recommend improvements annually for increased efficiency and better services. Reports and responses can be accessed on the Superior Court website or at the Lassen Superior Courthouse’s Jury Commissioners office.
