Natomas Unified schools fall short in special education services, grand jury finds

June 30, 2026 - 23:27

A recent Sacramento County grand jury investigation has found that Natomas Unified School District is not providing adequate special education services to its students. The report highlights systemic failures in how the district identifies, evaluates, and supports children with disabilities. According to the findings, some students experienced significant delays in receiving evaluations, while others did not get the legally required services outlined in their Individualized Education Programs.

The grand jury pointed to a lack of trained staff and inconsistent communication between schools and families as major factors. In several cases, parents reported feeling left in the dark about their child's progress or changes to their support plans. The report also noted that the district failed to meet state-mandated timelines for assessments, leaving some students without proper accommodations for months.

While these issues are especially pronounced in Natomas, the concerns about the quality of special education extend across other districts in Sacramento County. The grand jury recommended that Natomas Unified improve staff training, streamline its evaluation process, and ensure that families receive timely and clear updates. District officials have acknowledged the findings and say they are working on a corrective action plan, though no specific timeline has been announced. The report serves as a reminder that many local schools still struggle to meet the needs of their most vulnerable students.