Brockton Special Education Parent Advisory Council
By-laws
2019-2020
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Article I: Name or Organization
The Name of this self-governed organization shall be the Brockton Special Education Parent Advisory Council, also known as SEPAC.
Article II: Purpose
The purpose of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council is to provide information and support to parents of children with disabilities. They will also:
- Provide a network for parents and a forum for sharing ideas and information.
- Seek information about programs and resources that may be available within the community, as well as those from local, state, and national organizations that can provide support for children with disabilities and their parents.
- Provide educational opportunities for parents to learn about additional ways to support their child and to advocate more effectively.
- Advise the school district on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities.
- Meet with school officials to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of the school district’s special education programs.
- Work collaboratively with the school district to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Communicate regularly with the Director of Special Education to discuss concerns of parents and activities of SEPAC.
Article III: Terms of Membership
- General membership shall be open to the public.
- Voting membership shall be limited to Brockton residents and parents or guardians of a child with disabilities who resides in Brockton.
- The existence of an individual education program is not a requirement for voting membership. Voting members shall be required to provide their name and contact information.
- Persons affiliated with the Brockton Public Schools who have attended any meeting of SEPAC during the past 12 months shall be granted voting membership only if their name and the name of their school affiliation is provided.
- Information provided for voting membership will be kept confidential and will not appear on ballots.
- Voting membership is required to vote in elections and other business that comes before any SEPAC meeting.
- Meetings are defined as any SEPAC activity that has been publicized and/or any sub committee meetings at which attendance is taken.
Article IV: Officers
Officers of the Brockton Special Education Parent Advisory Council presently consist of a president and vice-president who will serve until the next election. SEPAC officers share responsibility for:
- Setting the agenda for each general meeting
- Presiding at all meetings of the SEPAC
- Recommending the organization and monitoring of sub-committees
- Acting as liaison with the Director of Special Education and other school officials.
- Helping to co-ordinate related school and public communications
- Preparing periodic reports for the Special Education Administration regarding SEPAC activities as needed
- Providing election results to the Brockton Public Schools Administration
Article V: Elections
Elections shall be held annually at the May meeting, having public notification.
Article VI: Meetings
General Meetings shall be held regularly, from September through June. Notice of all general meeting dates and elections shall be posted at City Hall and on the Brockton Public School website, and on flyers distributed through the schools. The officers shall consider recommendations for the calendar of meetings and shall include dates and times of the meetings and projected activities for the year whenever possible.
Matters which require a vote to be taken of the voting membership include, but are not limited to the following items:
- A change in the By-laws
- Elections
Article VII: Subcommittees
Subcommittees shall be created as needed.
Article VIII: Amendments
These by-laws may be amended by a simple majority of the voting members at a general meeting, but may not be voted upon in the same meeting as they are proposed.
Article IX: Rules of Conduct
Roberts Rules of Order are the default procedures for this organization.
These By-laws, adopted May 20, 2019, respectfully submitted by:
Michelle Keene, President Teresa McIntosh, Vice-President
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