Chelmsford Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
The Chelmsford Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is a public body run by parent volunteers serves two purposes:
- Advise the school committee on special education issues;
- Collaborate with the district to provide training and support to parents/guardians of children with special needs.
Meetings, usually held virtually, include opportunities for public input, guest speakers, sharing resources and information, and PAC business. Agendas are posted to the town meeting calendar in accordance with Open Meeting Law. Meetings are open to the public and all interested parties are invited to attend.
- SEPAC Website
- Contact: SEPAC@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
- Parent/Guardian Support: CSEPACliaisons@gmail.com
Massachusetts Statute:
Chapter 71B: Section 3. Identification of school age children with a disability; diagnosis of disability; proposal of program; evaluations and assessments of child and program.
Massachusetts state law requires that “The school committee of any city, town, or school district shall establish a parent advisory council on special education. Membership shall be offered to all parents of children with disabilities and other interested parties. The parent advisory council duties shall include but not be limited to: advising the school committee on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities; meeting regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of the school committee’s special education programs. The parent advisory council shall establish by-laws regarding officers and operational procedures. In the course of its duties under this section, the parent advisory council shall receive assistance from the school committee without charge, upon reasonable notice, and subject to the availability of staff and resources.
Chapter 71: Section 1C. Workshops on rights of students and their parents under special education laws of the commonwealth and the federal government
Each school district shall conduct, in cooperation with the local parent advisory council, at least one workshop annually within the school district on the rights of students and their parents and guardians under the special education laws of the commonwealth and the federal government and shall make written materials explaining such rights available upon request.
MASSACHUSETTS REGULATIONS:
603 CMR 28:07(4)
Each school district shall create a districtwide parent advisory council offering membership to all parents of eligible students and other interested parties. The parent advisory council duties shall include but not be limited to: advising the district on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities; meeting regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of the school district’s special education programs. The parent advisory council shall establish by-laws regarding officers and operational procedures, and, in the course of its duties, the parent advisory council shall receive assistance from the district without charge, upon reasonable notice, and subject to the availability of staff and resources.
603 CMR 28:03 (1)(a)(iv)
The district shall conduct, in cooperation with the parent advisory council, at least one workshop annually within the school district on the rights of students and their parents and guardians under state and federal special education laws.
