(a) If the development or revision of a local plan for the education of individuals with exceptional needs pursuant to Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 56195) of Part 30, results in a classified employee who is performing service for one employer being terminated, reassigned, or transferred, or becoming the employee of another employer because of the reorganization of special education programs, the employee shall retain the seniority acquired at his or her employment with the school district or county office of education from which he or she was terminated, reassigned, or transferred. If terminated, the employee retains the rights specified in Sections 45115, 45117, and 45119.

(b) The reassignment of an employee, transfer of an employee, or new employment of an employee caused by the reorganization of special education programs does not affect the seniority or classification that a classified employee already attained in any school district that undergoes the reorganization. The employee has the same status with respect to his or her seniority or classification, with the new employer, including time served as a probationary employee. The total number of years served as a classified employee with the former school district or county office shall be credited, year for year, for placement on the salary schedule of the new school district or county office.

(c) If a local plan for the education of individuals with exceptional needs is developed or revised pursuant to Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 56195) of Part 30, all classified employees shall be employed by a county office of education or an individual school district.

(d) A classified employee who is reassigned or transferred as a result of the reorganization of special education programs has priority, except as provided in subdivision (e), in being informed of and in filling classified positions in the classifications in which the employee was employed before the reassignment or transfer. This priority expires 24 months after the date of reassignment or transfer and may be waived by the employee during that time period.

(e) A classified employee who served in a special education program in a school district or county office and is terminated from his or her employment by that school district or county office pursuant to Section 45114 as a result of the reorganization of a special education program has first priority in being informed of and in filling vacant classified positions for which the employee is qualified or was employed, in the county office or school district that operates the reorganized special education program. Permanent employees have the first priority right to reappointment as provided in this section for 39 months from the date of termination. Probationary employees have the first priority right to reappointment as provided in this section for 24 months from the date of termination.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 843, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)