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.
2026-2027 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.
Co-Presidents - Erica Fitzpatrick & Chris Mack
Communication - Cara Ottilio-Cooper, Erica Fitzpatrick & Chris Mack
Inclusion - Erica Fitzpatrick, Chris Mack & Trish Sumida
Policy - Cara Ottilio-Cooper, Lisa Plaut, Trish Sumida, Kelly Stoffers & Desiree Noland
Post-Secondary/Vocational - Liz Paolillo, Bridget Schiraldo & Kelly Stoffers
Student Support Services - Kelly Stoffers, Chris Mack, Lindsay Pannucci, Trish Sumida & Desiree Noland
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 - TBD
Liberty Corner School - Meg Findlay
Oak Street School - Erica Fitzpatrick & Meghan Leininger
Mount Prospect School - Christine Almada & Rita McCann
William Annin Middle School - Trish Sumida & Desiree Noland
Ridge High School - Cara Ottilio-Cooper & Liz Paolillo
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
2026-27 SEPAC Executive Board will meet with Special Services Administration and Board of Education members on:
October 14th, 2026
January 27th, 2027
April 28th, 2027
(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.