HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-10-SEPAC-minLexington Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
Lexington Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA)
Business Meeting Minutes
January 10, 2017
Attendees: Jennifer Yaar, Kathy Cunningham, Robin Abrams, Ann Wolf, Lisa O'Brien, Bettina
McGimsey, Mona Roy, Jayashree Venkataraman
Location: Lexington Community Center, Room 245
Call to order: 9:06 am
Adjourned: 10:35 am
Approvals
• Minutes from 11/1/16 Business Meeting were unanimously approved.
Reports of Officers
• Treasurer Report:
o Our balance at the end of November was $4689.43.
o Income from membership was $445.36
o Major expenses included $200 donation to Spina Bifida Association (Honorarium for
speaker at Lives Worth Living) and $409.50 for PTA membership (91 members)..
• Membership report: there are currently 96 SEPAC/SEPTA members
Other Business
• Team discussed idea of doing a survey of member interests for presentations—possibilities
included Jessica Minahan, Sarah Ward, and the "Shut Up About Your Perfect Kids" speakers.
• Attendees recapped the December Q&A session and follow-ups with Ellen Sugita, Dr. C, and
Sando Allessandrini.
• 2017-2018 LPS budget discussion—no funds for inclusion specialist included, as no program
enhancements will be made across the board.
• There continues to be concerns about lack of small group math in the Clarke and Diamond LLP.
Bettina McGimsey to reach out to Dyslexia Parent Group to get more information and to see if
anyone would be willing to reach out to parents of elementary students transitioning into these
programs.
• Upcoming Dyslexia Parent Group meeting -2/13 Peer Mentoring session, and Dr. Gabb to
present on neuroscience behind dyslexia in the spring.
• Attendees discussed what type of social thinking program are currently available at middle
schools and if there is consistency across schools, and how this might fit into an "Understanding
our Differences" program.
• Regarding IEP Surveys—team discussed the idea of surveying parents for all IEP eligibility
meetings—including those meetings where students are not found eligible for services.
• Transition Subgroup—meeting scheduled for 2/15/17 with Leslie Leslie and on March 15 with
Elaine Gabovitch and Holly Boker.
• ADHD Subgroup: Kickoff meeting held on 11/29.
• Fiske ILP concerns—team discussed concerns about the oversight of BCBA and SSI staff,
transition issues, and health concerns. SEPAC/SEPTA continuing to communicate parent
concerns to district leadership and staff.