The MHD SEPAC is the Marblehead Special Education Parent Advisory Council. In Massachusetts, a SEPAC is a body that has been established by the Massachusetts State Legislature and is governed by both state statute and state regulation, along with our own MHD SEPAC Bylaws. 

By law, the role of SEPAC is to advise the School Committee, the School District, and District Officials, without limitation, on the education and safety of students with disabilities.  SEPAC is to meet regularly with these parties to participate in advisory feedback, along with the planning, development, and evaluation of the District’s programs and policies related to students with disabilities. 

Thus, the foundational role of a SEPAC is to work in partnership with the district and school committee on matters of special education. SEPAC does not have enforcement or legislative powers, instead it operates by providing guidance, suggestions, feedback, and is to be a consulted sounding board in the decision making process. 

As supplemental role, by MHD SEPAC Bylaws, our SEPAC also focuses on:

• Facilitating communication between families and the above mentioned parties.

• Encouraging understanding, acceptance, and inclusion within the District of students with disabilities.

• Advancing learning and awareness for families, educators, and professionals of best practices for the education and safety of students with disabilities.

• Providing educational opportunities for the Marblehead community at-large on topics related to special education and the safety of students with disabilities.