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Bethlehem is known for its academic excellence and being a top-performing school district in the Capital District. There is a need, however, to ensure all students are benefiting equally. According to New York State, Bethlehem is currently underperforming in special education and is in the lower half of school districts in the state.1 New York State has designated Bethlehem School District as a District Needing Assistance in Special Education.1 This means that Bethlehem will receive proactive intervention.
This identification provides Bethlehem with an opportunity. An opportunity to better serve our most vulnerable students. An opportunity to ensure our schools fully reflect who we are as a community. And an opportunity to be #1 in education for ALL students.
Supporting the district to improve special education benefits our entire community.
More than one in ten students in Bethlehem has a disability and many more need additional support. The quality of our special education directly impacts these children and opportunities they will have in the future.
Improving special education lifts general education. Improving special education reduces strain on resources and teachers, ultimately improving outcomes for general education students.
Local homeowners cite the quality of schools as a primary reason for living here. High quality schools drive Bethlehem’s reputation as an appealing community to live in, maintaining property values. Ensuring Bethlehem has the highest quality education for ALL students, maintains this reputation, which has ripple effects on the larger community.
What you can do...
Bethlehem Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) is working closely with the Bethlehem school district to enact change.2 Here's how you can help:
✔️ Join or Donate to SEPTA
Become a member or a supporter: There is no time commitment required to join. Your dues help fund:
Family education workshops
Inclusive events for all families
Community dedicated to supporting students with disabilities
Joining signals that you care about this issue—and that you believe Bethlehem can do better.
📣 Follow & Share Our Posts
Help amplify our message by sharing SEPTA posts and updates. Every share helps us reach another voter, neighbor, or parent who might not know what's at stake.
Follow SEPTA on social media Instagram - Facebook Public Page - Facebook Member Group
Commit to share at least one post
💡 Speak Up for Change
Even small actions can have a big impact:
Start conversations at school and in the community
Ask your school leaders about inclusion
Ask candidates, elected officials & the board of education about this issue.
Be a voice for inclusion & equity. Together, we can support change and ensure Bethlehehm is #1 for ALL students.
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