Have Questions?
As you start your leadership journey, FCSN can answer your questions along the way!
What is Parent Leadership?
Meaningful parent leadership occurs when parents gain the knowledge and skills to take on leadership roles in the communities and bring the “parent voice and experience” to decision-making tables. Effective parent leadership can help shape family-friendly policy and programs.
What is a SEPAC?
Every public school district in Massachusetts is required to establish a Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Massachusetts state law assigns both an advisory and participatory function to SEPACs. Membership is offered to all parents of children with disabilities and other interested parties.
MA Law and Regulation about SEPACs
What is an ELPAC?
English Learner Parent Advisory Councils (ELPACs) are required for a school district or charter operating a program for ELs and serving more than 100 students or in which ELs comprise at least 5% of the student population. They serve as advisors to school districts, providing advice on English leaner programs and meet regularly with school officials to provide input on school or district improvement plans.
What is a PTO?
A Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) gives parents and teachers the opportunity to work together to supplement and enrich the educational experience. Membership is open to all parents of students attending or receiving services from the school district, including parents of children in out-of-district placements.
What is a School Council?
A school council is a representative, school building-based committee composed of the principal, parents, teachers, community members and, at the secondary level, students, required to be established by each school pursuant to MA law. See DESE website on School Councils Questions and Answers.
What is a DEI Group?
A Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) group works closely with students, families, educators and school leaders to identify strengths and areas of growth through a lens of equity, and to develop improvement strategies that will best serve each school community.
