What Is A SEPAC

A SEPAC is a Special Education Parent Advisory Council. Every public school district in Massachusetts is required to establish a SEPAC. Massachusetts state law assigns both an advisory and participatory function to SEPACs. Membership is open to all district parents of children with disabilities (IEPs and 504 plans) and other interested parties.

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 district’s special education programs;

• Cooperating with the District on their annual workshop on the rights of students, parents, and guardians under state and federal law.

The SEPAC is a self-governing public body that creates its own bylaws and operational procedures. A SEPAC differs from other parent groups in a school district, such as a PTA, PTO, or School Council – a SEPAC represents all families of children with disabilities from the entire school district, rather than just one school.