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GNBVT SEPAC

The purpose of the GNBVT Special Education Parent Advisory Council is to harbor a safe, welcoming environment where parents and families can plan and discuss ways in which Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech can help their children reach their full academic potential.

Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech is proud to announce the creation of the GNBVT Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). This council will provide a forum for parents and families of students with special needs to express their thoughts and ideas regarding the Special Education program at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech. All are welcome to join the council. 

What is a Special Education Parent Advisory Council?

According to Massachusetts Statute from Chapter 71B: Section 3, “The school committee of any city, town, or school district shall establish a parent advisory council on special education. Membership shall be offered to all parents of children with disabilities and other interested parties. The parent advisory council duties shall include, but not 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 school committee’s special education programs. The parent advisory council shall establish by-laws regarding officers and operational procedures. In the course of its duties under this section, the parent advisory council shall receive assistance from the school committee without charge, upon reasonable notice, and subject to availability of staff and resources.

 

For more information, please call Catherine Feno at 508-998-3321 ext. 748.

 

Key Information:

MA SEPAC Guidelines
Parent’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards

Name: SPED-PAC

The name of this organization shall be the Special Education Parent’s Advisory Council (SPED PAC).

Purpose

The purpose of this organization shall be to:

  • Establish better understanding and communication between parents/guardians and school officials;
  • Provide support for special educations to meet the needs of all students with disabilities;
  • Advise the School Committee on matters that pertain to the education, health and safety of students with special needs.

Membership

Membership is open to all parents and educators.

Meetings

The PAC shall hold two meetings (Fall and Spring). The schedule of meeting dates shall be determined by the Chairperson. Additional meetings may be called by the Chairperson or by written petition to the Clerk by three or more voting members of the PAC.

An annual meeting shall be held each May for the purpose of electing officers. Officers shall take office at the September meeting of the PAC.

Voting

Voting privileges shall be afforded to all members; however, a vote may be taken only if at least two-thirds of the PAC members present are parents or guardians of children receiving or seeking special education services.

Officers

The officers of the PAC shall consist of a Chairperson or co-Chairpersons, a Vice-President and a Clerk. Officers shall be elected at the Annual Meeting by a majority of the members present.

It shall be the responsibility of the Chairperson(s) to preside over all meetings of the PAC.

It shall be the responsibility of the Vice-Chairperson to preside over meetings of the PAC, in the absence of the Chairperson(s).

It shall be the responsibility of the Clerk to post all meeting notices, receive correspondence and maintain the records of the PAC, including the minutes of all PAC meetings.

Operational Procedures

The PAC shall operate under the authority or MGL Chapter 766 Regulation 600.0 through 603.0.

The PAC shall operate all meetings under parliamentary procedure, as established by Robert’s Rules of Order except in cases where Robert’s Rules of Order conflict with Massachusetts General Laws or these Bylaws.

Committees

Committees, standing or special shall be appointed by the PAC Chairperson(s).

Bylaw Amendment Procedures

These Bylaws may be amended at any PAC meeting, provided that the amendment shall be submitted in writing at a previous PAC meeting and the notice has been given as to the date, time, and place of the vote on the amendment.

All amendments shall require a two-thirds vote of the membership present to pass.

We are currently searching for candidates to fill the following positions:

  • President
  • Vice-President
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary

For more information, please call Catherine Feno at 508-998-3321 ext. 748