What is a SEPAC

A SEPAC is a Special Education Parent Advisory Council. Every public school district in Massachusetts is required to have a SEPAC. Wellesley SEPAC is the council for Wellesley Public Schools, and membership is open to all parents and caregivers of students with disabilities and other interested community members. 

What is a SEPAC?’ banner graphic for Wellesley SEPAC

Who Can Be Part of Wellesley SEPAC?

Wellesley SEPAC is open to:

  • Parents and caregivers of students with IEPs, 504 plans, or other specialized support in Wellesley Public Schools and the Wellesley community;
  • Parents and caregivers of Wellesley residents attending out-of-district placements;
  • Other family members and community members who care about supporting students with disabilities; and
  • Educators and school staff who want to collaborate with families (as non-voting participants). 

What Does Wellesley SEPAC Do?

Support Families

Advise Wellesley Public Schools

  • Meet regularly with district special education administrators. 
  • Provide feedback on policies, programs, and practices that affect students with disabilities. 
  • Bring family questions and concerns to district leaders. 

Build Community

  • Organize events, talks, and volunteer opportunities. 
  • Participate in district and town committees and task forces. 
  • Share data and information about special education in Wellesley Public Schools. 

SEPACs in Massachusetts Law

SEPACs are not just volunteer groups--they are required by Massachusetts law. The laws and regulations below describe the role of the Special Education Parent Advisory Councils in each school district. 

  • Every Massachusetts school district must establish a Special Education Parent Advisory Council. 
  • SEPACs must be offered to parents of students with disabilities, and membership must be open to other interested parties.
  • SEPACs advise the School Committee and school district on matters that affect the education and safety of students with disabilities. 
  • SEPACs and the district meet regularly to plan, develop, and evaluate special education programs. 
  • Each district must, in cooperation with SEPAC, provide at least one annual Parent Rights / Basic Rights workshop. 

Key Massachusetts Statutes

Identification of school age children with a disability; diagnosis of disability; proposal of program; evaluations and assessments of child and program

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 be 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 the availability of staff and resources.

Workshops on rights of students and their parents under special education laws of the commonwealth and the federal government

Each school district shall conduct, in cooperation with the local parent advisory council, at least one workshop annually within the school district on the rights of students and their parents and guardians under the special education laws of the commonwealth and the federal government and shall make written materials explaining such rights available upon request.

Key Massachusetts Regulations

Each school district shall create a districtwide parent advisory council offering membership to all parents of eligible students and other interested parties. The parent advisory council duties shall include but not be limited to: advising the district 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 district’s special education programs. The parent advisory council shall establish by-laws regarding officers and operational procedures, and, in the course of its duties, the parent advisory council shall receive assistance from the district without charge, upon reasonable notice, and subject to the availability of staff and resources.

The district shall conduct, in cooperation with the parent advisory council, at least one workshop annually within the school district on the rights of students and their parents and guardians under state and federal special education laws.

Frequently Asked Questions about SEPAC

1. Is SEPAC only for parents of students with IEPs?

No. Wellesley SEP

    No. Wellesley SEPAC is open to parents and caregivers of students with IEPs, 504 plans, or other special supports, as well as other family members and community members who care about students with disabilities.

    SEPAC focuses on students who live in Wellesley or attend Wellesley Public Schools, including those in out‑of‑district placements. If you’re unsure, contact us and we can help you figure out the best place to connect.

    No. You do not need any special background or training. All you need is an interest in supporting students with disabilities. SEPAC offers learning opportunities, workshops, and meetings where you can get up to speed.

    Ready to Learn More or Get Involved?

    Whether you are just learning about SEPACs or have been involved for years, you are welcome at any Wellesley SEPAC meeting or event.