The mission of the Amesbury SEPAC is to provide education and information to parents/guardians and the broader community on special education issues and services, to foster better understanding, respect, and support for special education, and to collaborate with the Amesbury Public Schools District to ensure that students’ needs under applicable laws are met.
a non-profit or a commission?
The answer is yes, but one that is volunteer based and open to all parents. A SEPAC is a Special Education Parent Advisory Council. Every public school district in Massachusetts is required to establish a SEPAC. Massachusetts state law governs SEPACs, who fill both advisory and participatory roles working with the school districts and community.
For more information on SEPAC and the role we play, the links below provide additional information
Our Board of Directors is comprised of volunteer parents or caregivers who are elected by voting members of SEPAC.
General elections are held in May but new board members are welcome throughout the year. Want to learn more, email us at info@amesburysepac.org
Board member info
Chapter 71B: Section 3
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.
Chapter 71B: Section 1C
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/guardians under the special education laws of the commonwealth.
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.