(a) The superintendent is responsible for monitoring local educational agencies to ensure compliance with the requirement to provide mental health services to individuals with exceptional needs pursuant to Chapter 26.5 (commencing with Section 7570) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code and to ensure that funds provided for this purpose are appropriately utilized. (b) The superintendent shall submit a report to the Legislature by April 1, 2005, that includes all of the following: (1) A description of the data that is currently collected by the department related to pupils served and services provided pursuant to Chapter 26.5 (commencing with Section 7570) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code. (2) A description of the existing monitoring processes used by the department to ensure that local educational agencies are complying with Chapter 26.5 (commencing with Section 7570) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, including the monitoring performed to ensure the appropriate use of funds for programs identified in Section 64000. (3) Recommendations on the manner in which to strengthen and improve monitoring by the department of the compliance by a local educational agency with the requirements of Chapter 26.5 (commencing with Section 7570) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, on the manner in which to strengthen and improve collaboration and coordination with the State Department of Mental Health in monitoring and data collection activities, and on the additional data needed related to Chapter 26.5 (commencing with Section 7570) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code. (c) The superintendent shall collaborate with the Director of the State Department of Mental Health in preparing the report required pursuant to subdivision (b) and shall convene at least one meeting of appropriate stakeholders and organizations, including a representative from the State Department of Mental Health and mental health directors, to obtain input on existing data collection and monitoring processes, and on ways to strengthen and improve the data collected and monitoring performed.
