DRSEPAC Meeting 5/5/25
In Massachusetts, the establishment of a Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) in every school district is a legal mandate. This requirement stems from Massachusetts state law, specifically Chapter 71B of the Massachusetts General Laws, which emphasizes the rights and needs of students with disabilities. The law mandates that all school districts establish a SEPAC and encourages parental participation in the special education process.
The primary objective is to ensure that children with special needs receive appropriate educational opportunities and that their rights are protected. By having a SEPAC in place, the school district ensures a platform for parents and guardians of students with special needs to voice concerns, provide input, and collaborate with educators and administrators on special education policies, programs, and practices.
The DRSEPAC board is composed exclusively of dedicated parents, each with children who have special needs within the K-12 districts we serve. While balancing our professional careers and domestic responsibilities, we voluntarily devote our time and energy to the SEPAC. We are driven by a shared commitment to bettering the community for all children. The board members represent the heart and soul of our organization, consistently advocating for the well-being and success of all children's education.
Meet the Board
Christina's unwavering commitment to advocating for children with special needs stems from her deep love for her two children. Her current role at Bristol Aggie provides her with the flexibility to prioritize her children's care while remaining actively involved in the community. Christina's firsthand experience navigating the special education system and her service as a committee member on the Dighton Commission on Disability equip her with the knowledge and skills necessary to be a powerful voice for families within our district. Her dedication to ensuring every child receives the support they need makes her an invaluable addition to our board.
Tracy is a mother of two children on IEPs, she recently transitioned from a leadership role within the Girl Scouts to focus her energy on advocating for students and families through DRSEPAC. Her professional experience working for the South Coast Educational Collaborative further strengthens her understanding of the unique needs of diverse learners. Tracy's passion, coupled with her firsthand experience and professional expertise, makes her a valuable asset to our board as we work to foster a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for all.
Becky is a parent with three girls at DES. She has an accounting background and is familiar with ASD. Her financial expertise and understanding of special education needs make her a valuable asset to DRSEPAC.
Katy is a parent of children with IEPs in Rehoboth. She currently serves on the School Council at PRES and is the president of Friends of the Palmer River, a non-profit organization dedicated to clean, promote, preserve and protect the Palmer River and its' watershed. Her personal experiences and community involvement bring valuable perspectives to DRSEPAC.
Robert is full-time scientist specializing in biochemistry and immunoassays. Their daughter is on an IEP in the Rehoboth school district. He is committed to leveraging his skills and insights to empower families and foster a more inclusive learning environment for all students.
Paula is a retired PRES teacher and Rehoboth resident with Wilson Reading System certification. She's passionate about supporting students, particularly those with dyslexia, through tutoring and parent advocacy. Paula also serves as the treasurer for the Hornbine School in Rehoboth.
School Liaisons
School committee member of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District. Eliza was previously the liaison when we were the Regional SEPAC and will continue to do so for DRSEPAC.
Shira is the preschool teacher at DES. She's excited to facilitate communication between school families, staff, and the SEPAC to ensure that all students receive the support they need to thrive.
Kevin is a Dighton resident and father of two, including a child with multiple disabilities at DMS. He serves on the Dighton Commission for Disabilities and is CAM (Community Access Monitoring) Certified with the state of Massachusetts. Kevin is committed to advocating for the rights and inclusion of all students with disabilities.
Lori is a busy mom of seven children, with students at PRES, BMS, and one heading off to high school. When she's not cheering on her kids, Lori runs her own bookkeeping business. As a huge Disney fan, she wishes to bring some of that magic and enthusiasm to her role on the DRSEPAC. Lori is passionate about advocating for children with special needs and is excited to support the PRES community.
Melisa is a passionate special education teacher with over 20 years of experience. She has two children with IEPs at Beckwith Middle School and a particular interest in supporting students with dyslexia. Melisa is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.