Community Advisory Committee
CAC Mission
The Sonoma SELPA Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is dedicated to supporting, empowering, educating, and advocating for students with disabilities by serving as a collaborative liaison between families, educational agencies, and the greater community to ensure equitable and inclusive access to quality education.
What is the CAC?
California Education Code, Section 56190 requires that each local plan shall establish a Community Advisory Committee and California Education Code, Section 56194 outlines what a CAC does. CAC is additionally reference in California Education Code, Sections 56001, 56190-56194, 56195.7, 56195.9, 56200, 56205, 56240, 56728.7, and 56780.
The CAC is supported by the SELPA and is an important body in providing input to the SELPA Local Plan. Each CAC is unique to the needs of that regional area, but there are some commonalities across all CACs. A CAC should be a collaborative partnership of parents, educators, and community members to support the needs of individuals with disabilities, specifically students with disabilities. The CAC provides information, resources, and connection. It is a liaison between SELPA, SCOE, LEAs, students, families, educators, and community members.
The CAC collaborates with the local SELPA to ensure that the educational requirements of special education students are met. The CAC serves as a liaison between SELPA, the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE), local districts, families, community members, students, and teachers, so that all voices are heard.
The organization also provides consumer education, information, and referral to resources.
More information about the CAC and its operations can be found in the CAC Bylaws.
CAC Officers
- Chairperson - Emily King, Petaluma City Schools
- Vice-Chairperson - Jennifer Lemas, Sonoma Valley Unified
- Secretary - Open
- SELPA Representative - Janel Plack, SELPA
2026-2027 Meeting Schedule
We invite parents and guardians, educators, administrators, service providers, and community members to join us throughout the school year at our scheduled meetings. All meetings are open to the public. All meetings this year will be held in a virtual format via the Zoom link below (*unless otherwise noted). Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. with a business session, followed by an informational session presented by a guest speaker or panel of presenters.
11/17/2025 CAC Meeting (Left to Right: Julie Promes, Ellen Sweigert, Janel Plack)
Thank you Ellen Sweigert (NBRC Consumer Advocate) for your information presentation.
| Date | Location | Topic | Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | Virtual Via Zoom | What is a SELPA, a CAC, and ADR? |
|
| Sep 17 | Virtual Via Zoom |
Inclusion/Rightful Presence |
|
| Oct | Old Adobe |
Fall Family event Old Adobe |
|
| Nov 19 | Virtual Via Zoom |
TBD |
|
| Jan 21 | Virtual Via Zoom | TBD |
|
| Feb 1 |
The Learning Center at Mark West D.O. 305 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa |
Hearts & Crafts Family Event |
|
| Mar 25 | Virtual Via Zoom |
TBD |
|
| Apr |
Petaluma City Schools |
Strong Family event |
|