PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

The primary purpose of the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) is to ensure that all PACT stakeholders can work together in a positive way to improve the quality of special education for children in the PACT community. 

Purpose

In accordance with MN State Statute 125A.24, the basic purpose of the SEAC is to advise the special education department regarding current issues, program development, parental concerns, and involvement. Specifically, SEAC will: 

• serve as an advocate for high-quality special education programs; 
• promote communication between family, school, and community. 

MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA

The council shall be chaired and facilitated by the Director of Special Education. Agendas will be prepared by the Director of Special Education in collaboration with the council members. The designated members of the council shall be the Director of Special Education, parents of children receiving special education, and district special education staff members. At least half of the designated members of the council must be parents of children with a disability. To the maximum extent possible, membership shall be representative of the different age groups, disabilities, gender, and ethnic diversity reflective of the District’s special education program. Members are appointed by the Director of Special Education.

MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

Each member has the responsibility to be familiar with the minutes and agenda of the council meetings, attend regularly, perform assigned duties/tasks, and report back to the council.

All members must be familiar with PACT’s Conflict of Interest Policy and Code of Conduct and must fill out an annual statement at the yearly meeting. Forms are to be maintained by the council/committee clerk and noted on the attendance sheet.

VOTING AND QUORUM REQUIREMENTS

All appointed members of the Special Education Advisory Council have voting rights and privileges. A quorum is defined as one more than half of all voting members.

COUNCIL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The Special Education Advisory Council advises on special education matters at PACT Charter School. The Council does NOT set special education policy. The council collaborates with the Director of Special Education to improve special education services for students.
2. Federal and State law require all school districts that provide special education services to have Parent Advisory Councils. Please see Sec. 8., Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.24 (Parent Advisory Councils).
3. Federal law requires that the council meet at least once yearly. 
4. Minutes must be taken of all meetings. Approved Minutes will be posted within 5 school days of approval, filed in the minute’s book, and distributed according to the Document Management Policy.

Meeting dates will be posted in advance on the school calendar, This council complies with the Advanced Notice of Agenda Policy, and MN Open Meeting Law by posting their agendas a minimum of 48 hours in advance of any meeting and indicating which items will require a vote at the meeting