1. The Dover Sherborn Regional Special Education Parent Advisory Council Dr. Denise O’Connell, Administrator of Special Education and Ms. Page Kolligian, SEPAC President

2. Purpose The SEPAC is a positive, solution oriented volunteer organization that is required by state and federal law.

3. Membership At present, we have members from Dover, Sherborn and Dover- Sherborn school districts participating in the SEPAC’s mission.

4. Legal Basis: 603 CMR 28.00: Special Education Parent advisory participation. Each school district shall create a district wide 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.

5. Legal Mandate (con’t) 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. 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.

6. In addition the SEPAC serves in the following capacities: With a focus on children Children Advocacy Resource Partner

7. Established goals Promote an understanding of the issues impacting special education Encourage the support of diversity with the educational system Inform the Dover Sherborn school communities relative to pertinent state and federal laws and related requirements Provide informative meetings that enhance the knowledge and skills of parents and professionals Provide support to the schools’ implementation of new initiatives

8. Noteworthy Initiatives Ms. Page Kolligian, SEPAC President

9. Thank you!