What is the Special Education Parent Advisory Council?
Did you know…
New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14-1.2(h) states that:
Each district Board of Education shall ensure that a special education parent advisory group is in place in the district to provide input to the district on issues concerning students with disabilities.
Bernards SEPAC is a parent-led, state-mandated group focused on policies, practices and programs affecting the education, health and safety of children receiving services under an IEP or 504 plan from Bernards Township.
2024-2025 School Year
SEPAC Executive Board:
The Executive Board works closely with the Bernards Township school District to share feedback, identify trends within the Special Services population and collaborate on parent education and outreach.
President - Megan Lipset
Communication - Ali Harrington, Lindsay Pannucci & Cara Ottilio-Cooper
Inclusion - Erica Fitzpatrick, Ali Harrington, Jenny Kuhta & Trish Sumida
Parent Education & Open Meetings - Cara Ottilio-Cooper, Monica Petraglia & Lindsay Pannucci
Policy - Jenny Kuhta & Megan Lipset
Post-Secondary/Vocational - Bridget Schiraldo, Liz Paolillo & Megan Lipset
Student Support Services - Lindsay Pannucci, Jenny Kuhta & Trish Sumida
Transition Years - Monica Petraglia, All SEPAC Executive Board & Liaisons
SEPAC School Liaisons:
Each school liaison commits their time and passion to helping advance student representation at their respective schools in our district. They establish positive relationships with the school personnel at all levels, connect with other special needs families at their respective school, engage with the school PTO and understand the school dynamics.
Cedar Hill School - Lauren Biscone
Liberty Corner School - Meg Findlay & Tammy Crocker
Oak Street School - Erica Fitzpatrick
Mount Prospect School - Gina Mihalik
William Annin Middle School - Cara Ottilio-Cooper
Ridge High School - Lisa McNey
Our goal is to ensure that every special education family feels heard.
If you have questions, concerns, successes or general feedback you would like to share regarding special education and/or related services, please click here to share your thoughts.
SEPAC Meetings
2024-25 SEPAC Executive Board will meet with Special Services Administration and Board of Education members on:
October 16th, 2024
January 29th, 2025
April 23rd, 2025
(closed meetings)
Parent Education/SEPAC open meetings:
More information coming soon
SEPAC Meeting Minutes
Looking to volunteer for SEPAC?
Openings to the Special Education Parent Advisory Council Executive Board to serve as a Committee Member or a SEPAC School Liaison are posted annually in late spring. Any parent or guardian who has a child with an IEP/504 is eligible to apply and we welcome all volunteers. Please see our bylaws for detailed information on the roles and responsibilities.
Any questions please email BernardsSEPAC@gmail.com.
WANTED: SEPAC EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS & SCHOOL LIAISONS!
Are you passionate about Special Education?
Want to directly impact the lives of classified students in district?
Bernards Township Special Education Parent Advisory Council is actively seeking volunteers to join the 2024-2025 Executive Board as either a Committee Member or a SEPAC School Liaison (formerly called PEC school rep). More details on the positions can be found on the application.
Click here to apply!
Applications will close on June 3rd.