SEPAC Toolkit
A local SEPAC is a parent-drive group that provides input to the school district on system-level challenges in special education.
FCSN has gathered information to help you start, maintain and grow your SEPAC. Our toolkit covers a wide range of ideas and can be tailored to fit your community. Annual membership in MassPAC offers additional technical assistance, training and networking opportunities for parent leaders.
Interested SEPAC volunteers should work with their district to define how the district will support and promote SEPAC efforts.
Advising the District
A SEPAC is primarily an advisory group. The members represent all parents of children receiving special education services in the district. The SEPAC can also participate as a planning and/or evaluation group with respect to the school district’s special education...
Annual Calendar/Meetings
Have a Plan SEPACs with a formal calendar find that parents are better able to plan to attend meetings, events and workshops with advance notice. Getting the membership together on a regular basis also helps to create a group identity, provide a forum for ideas and...
Budget/Fund-Raising
SEPACs may need a source of funds to pay for speakers, print brochures and flyers and plan activities. The officers should develop an annual budget along with their calendar of activities. A school district or School Committee may commit funds to support the...
Building Membership
How to Grow Your SEPAC A successful SEPAC is the best publicity – people like to belong to active groups with a defined purpose. Who Can Be a SEPAC Member? MA law creating SEPACs states that “membership shall be offered to all parents of children with disabilities and...
By-Laws
Following the Rules Under Massachusetts law, SEPACs “shall establish by-laws regarding officers and operational procedures”. By-laws are rules that define how your group operates. A formal structure or framework for conducting SEPAC business can help your SEPAC be...
Events/Disability Awareness
Events/Disability Awareness Hosting or co-hosting community events are a fun way to “advertise” the SEPAC and meet new members: Partner with the district pre-school program to organize a “coffee” for parents to provide them with information about the SEPAC and the...
Gathering Input/Surveys
A SEPAC needs to have a good pulse on the state of special education in the school district. To learn what the concerns are among parents, many SEPACs conduct a “needs assessment” to identify the greatest areas of need and to assist the SEPAC to meet its statutory...
Mission Statement/Annual Goals
Why do SEPACs exist? SEPACs that have a clear mission tend to be productive and effective. Your SEPAC can review the Massachusetts law regarding SEPACs to help define their role in the community. A mission statement can guide the actions of the group, provide a path...
Outreach/Publicity
SEPACs need to become experts in networking – building and maintaining relationships within their communities. Ways to Get the Message Out Family and student information is confidential, so SEPACs need to work with the district to get their message out to the...
Quick Guide to Starting a SEPAC
Getting Started SEPACs are a district-wide organization of parents of children with disabilities and may include families of children in out-of-district placements. A balanced membership - parents of children in all grade levels and representing many disabilities -...
Sample Forms and Templates
Using a standard sample forms or template makes running a SEPAC a little easier. Contact masspac@fcsn.org for additional samples such as a by-laws template and SEPAC brochures. Many SEPACs will share their documents, so you do not have to start at the beginning. You...
The Role of SEPAC Leaders
The Role of SEPAC Leaders SEPAC leaders play an important role in governing the SEPAC: Leaders help maintain focus and keep meetings from going off on tangents or getting stuck on one issue. The chair helps the SEPAC stick to the agenda! A leader encourages discussion...