Why SEPACs Matter

One of the SEPAC’s duties is to advise the school committee on the education and safety of students with disabilities. District decision-makers should be informed of what is working and what is not working from a family perspective. SEPACs can inform smarter budgeting and resource allocation. Changes that come about as a result of SEPAC input are responsive to the identified and researched needs of the school community. 

Having a well-informed parent council involved in the planning, development and evaluation of special education programs is an opportunity to improve education. We know from family engagement research that when families and schools work together, students have better outcomes. 

But SEPACs are so much more than advisory bodies. Their work connects families to resources and disability-specific organizations that can help families understand their child’s disability. SEPACs can help a newly identified family feel connected and not alone. By providing support and lived experience, SEPACs can assist families facing challenges in our complex educational system. SEPACS can also ensure that school activities in a district are inclusive, so all students can participate. 

Joining your local SEPAC provides an opportunity to share your perspective and energy. By being part of a larger vision for your district, you can be part of systems change. 

If your school district does not have an active SEPAC or needs help to build their membership, MassPAC can help.  A district’s annual MassPAC membership includes valuable benefits including a free FCSN Basic Rights workshop and access to networking and consultation for SEPAC leaders and members.

Ask your district to support a membership today by referring them to fcsn.org/masspac-membership. Our membership year runs from July 1st through June 30th - with programming taking place throughout the year.