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.
2023-2024 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
Communications - Kim Fusca, Somya Bhatnagar & Eric Purdum
Support Services - Cara Ottilio-Cooper & Lindsay Pannucci
Disability Awareness - Jenny Kuhta & Erica Fitzpatrick
Community Outreach & Transition - Bridget Schiraldo
Parent Education - Monica Petraglia & Cara Ottilio-Cooper
SEPAC School Representatives:
Each school representative 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 - Jenny Kuhta
Liberty Corner School - Monica Petraglia
Oak Street School - Erica Fitzpatrick
Mount Prospect School - Dana Juskin & Renuka Bakhru
William Annin Middle School - Cara Ottilio-Cooper & Liz Paolillo
Ridge High School - Bridget Schiraldo
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
2023-24 SEPAC Executive Board will meet with Special Services Administration and Board of Education members on:
October 18th, 2023
January 17th, 2024
April 10th, 2024
(closed meetings)
Parent Education/SEPAC open meetings:
More information coming soon
SEPAC Meeting Minutes
Looking to volunteer for SEPAC?
Openings to the SEPAC Executive Board and for SEPAC School Liaisons 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.