A SEPAC is a Special Education Parent Advisory Council. Every public school district in Massachusetts is required to establish a SEPAC, according to Massachusetts General Law 71B and 603 CMR 28. Massachusetts state law assigns both an advisory and participatory function to SEPACs. Membership is open to all parents/caregivers of children with special needs and other interested parties.

Duties shall include, but not be limited to:

• To provide communication between school staff, administrators, school committees, and families of children with special needs concerning all aspects of special education and any concerns or needs families may have; meeting with school officials to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of the school committee’s special education programs.

• Educating and advising the district and families on matters related to Special Education. Supporting families by providing them information and assistance in connecting with teachers, Student Support Teams, and community resources.

The North Berkshire School Union Parent Advisory Council on Special Education (NBSU SEPAC) is a self-governing public body which creates its own by-laws and operational procedures.  The NBSU SEPAC is different from other parent groups such as a PTG or School Council – it does not represent families from one school or school district, but represents all families of children with disabilities from the entire school union.

What is having a SEPAC important?

• Build positive relationships within the school community—Effective SEPACs engage parents/caregivers and school leaders to collaborate to make positive change happen by establishing shared goals and priorities that benefit students with disabilities.

• Outreach—Outreach can engage families of students, research shows that student success is directly linked to family involvement within the school community. SEPAC's connect with teachers, Student Support Teams, and community resources as sources of support for helping improve programs and services for students.

• Improved services and programs based on input—A SEPAC can communicate the needs of parents and caregivers whose children receive special education and related services, and can advise school leaders on unmet needs.

• A trusted source of information—SEPACs can strengthen the bridge between the school districts and families. SEPAC members who educate themselves about school policies and procedures can be a great source for parents/caregivers who need information, support, and resources from their school, and can hep navigate them in the appropriate direction.

• Deepened trusts—Over time, as school leaders react and respond to the input from families through the SEPAC, trust builds and grows.

Why should parents get involved?

Being a member of a SEPAC, or even just participating in a meeting offers the opportunity to raise questions, voice concerns, and provide direct input to school leaders which influence policies and decisions on programs related to special education. The individual needs of one child become part of ‘the bigger picture’ and can help a broader community of children.

Supporting Students with Anxiety PowerPoint Presentation By: Jon Friedman

11/6/2024 FREE Training: My Kid Won't Go to School - What Now?

11/12/2024 Statewide: Motivational Interviewing & The School of Hard Talks

FREE Webinars/Events

• Webinar on Tuesday November 19th from 5:00-7:00 UN-Complicating the Complicated: Chaos to Calm t

• Saturday November 16th from 11:30-12:30 at the North Adams Public Library there are two events:

  • Calming Fidget Creations (2nd floor) - FREE & open to youth in K-12. 

  • IEP Binder Drop-in (3rd Floor) - FREE & open to all north Berkshire families with children with an IEP or 504, or looking to request evaluation for special education services.

    • Registration is preferred, but not required: 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org or hdix@northadams-ma.gov

• The Special Education Binder Workshop with Andrew Rosenburg from Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. This event is scheduled for Thursday, December 12th at 5:30pm, right before Clarksburg’s family literacy event at 6:00pm. All families are welcome to attend!