Millis SEPAC Bylaws
Initial: June 7, 2017
Updated: Nov 10, 2021
ARTICLE I: NAME
The full name of this self-governed organization shall be the “Millis Special Education Parent Advisory Council,” and its abbreviated name shall be “Millis SEPAC.
ARTICLE II: MISSION
The Millis SEPAC is committed to developing an understanding of, respect for, and support to all children with special needs in the Millis Public School District.
To that end, and pursuant to 603 CMR 28.07(4), the Millis SEPAC shall:
The Massachusetts regulation states:
Each school district shall create a district wide parent advisory council offering membership to all parents of eligible students and other interested parties. The parent advisory council duties shall include but not be limited to: advising the district on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities; meeting regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of the school district’s special education programs. The parent advisory council shall establish by-laws regarding officers and operational procedures, and, in the course of its duties, the parent advisory council shall receive assistance from the district without charge, upon reasonable notice, and subject to the availability of staff and resources.
ARTICLE III: POLICIES
The Millis SEPAC shall be non-commercial, non-profit organization.
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP
General Membership is open to any resident of Millis including parents, guardians, special education surrogate parents (SESP), educators, and other parties interested in the special education of Millis. In addition, a parent/guardian/SESP of a current Millis student with special needs may also be a General Member even though the parent or guardian may reside outside of Millis.
Eligibility for Voting Membership: Voting members must have attended at least two SEPAC meetings in the last year and be a parent/guardian of a student whose education is the partial or entire responsibility of the Millis Public Schools and has documented special needs, whether or not that student is currently on an individual educational or section 504 plan at the time of the vote.
ARTICLE V: Millis SEPAC BOARD
The SEPAC BOARD shall include 2 Co-Chairs, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and one to three liaisons for each school. This group of individuals shall be commonly known as the SEPAC Board. The term for each position is two years. In the event that there are not enough individuals who wish to be on the SEPAC Board, the Board shall function with no less than three members. When necessary, a board member may hold multiple positions. The Board should meet at least twice a year for a purpose of enacting and monitoring the annual goals.
Eligibility to Hold Board Positions: Any individual who wishes to be on the SEPAC Board must be a Voting Member and a parent/guardian of a student whose education is the partial or entire responsibility of the Millis Public Schools and has documented special needs, whether or not that student is currently on an individual educational or section 504 plan.
In addition to the aforementioned requirements, to be a school or out of district representative, the candidate must have a student with special needs attending the particular school they are representing, or be placed out of district, for the period covered by the elections.
Co-chair(s)
Secretary(s)
Treasurer:
Liaisons:
1 – 3 parents/guardians per school will hold this position, chosen by Co-Chairs.
Article VI: ELECTIONS
Elections are held every 2 years in January to fill the SEPAC Board positions. The date and location of the election will be advertised (via website and email) one month prior to the election. Anyone who wishes to volunteer for a position needs to notify the SEPAC co-chairs prior to the election. Elections may be held by a show of hands if the number volunteers do not exceed the number of positions. Otherwise, a ballet shall be used to count the votes. In the case there is a shortfall in the Co-Chair position (due to a resignation or lack of candidates during the election process); the Board may appoint an interim Co-Chair until the next election. The Board must agree to the appointment by a simple majority. In the case there is a shortfall in the other Board positions, the Chair may appoint an interim, until the next election. New SEPAC Board Members shall take office on the first day of April following their election.
Article VII: AMENDMENTS
Amendment(s) to the By-Laws must be submitted to the SEPAC membership in writing 2 weeks prior to voting on the amendment(s). A reasonable attempt will be made to communicate to the general SEPAC membership of the proposed change(s). A simple majority of the voting members needs to carry any change.
Article VIII: MEETINGS
Article IX: COMMITTEES
The Co-Chair(s), with input from the Board, may create standing and special committees to promote the purpose and interest of SEPAC. Committee involvement shall be on a voluntary basis. Presentations and/or written reports shall be submitted as needed, upon the request of the Board, or upon termination of a project. A Co-Chair(s) of SEPAC shall be an ex-officio member(s) of all standing and special committees. Special committees shall terminate when their final reports are submitted.
Article X: DISSOLUTION OF THE BOARD
If the SEPAC Board is no longer functioning with a minimum of two members, SEPAC must notify the Director of Student Services and the Millis School Committee.
These bylaws may be adopted, altered, repealed or amended at any SEPAC meeting provided that the proposed change is submitted in writing to all SEPAC Board members at least 15 calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting in which the vote is to be taken.