School districts in Minnesota must have a Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC). The majority of the members of the council must be parents of children with disabilities. The other members may include district staff, administration and other community members interested in participating.
Minnetonka's SEAC meets monthly with the focus of improving communication between parents of children with special education needs and the school district. SEAC exists as an avenue for people to express concerns or ask questions about special education in Minnetonka, work with others to make changes, and receive training and information that will help parents be active team members in their child's unique education planning.
We want to hear your ideas! Please email your ideas or concerns via email to Jan Bootsma. Please keep comments general and not specific to your situation. If you are interested in joining the Steering Committee, or would like more information, please call Jan Bootsma at 952-401-5017.
In 2003, the Minnetonka SEAC developed a Parent Handbook for Special Education with support from Minnetonka District #276. The intent of the Parent Handbook was to provide parents with information needed to help them be active participants in their child’s unique special education programming and planning. District staff updated the handbook in 2009 to reflect the changes in District, State and Federal Guidelines.
SEAC Parent Manual
Special Education Advisory Council Charge
Purpose:
In order to increase the involvement of parents of children with disabilities in District policy making and decision making, the purpose of the Charge Statement is to create and maintain a special education advisory council that is incorporated into the District’s special education system plan. (MS 125 A.24)
Scope of Responsibility:
ISD 276 Student Support Services administration shall create and implement advisory council guidelines to include the following:
Purpose of the Council: The purpose of the council shall be to advise the Student Support Services administration in its mission to prepare all students for the future by having an advisory council in which parents of children receiving special education and the District can work together for the continuous improvement of special education services.
Composition of the Council: The council shall be chaired by the Executive Director of Student Support Services and co-chaired by one parent member of the council. Agendas will be prepared by the Student Support Services administration in collaboration with the council members. The designated members of the council shall be parents of children receiving special education, the District’s Executive Director of Student Support Services and District staff members selected by the Superintendent or his/her designee. At least half of the designated members of the council must be parents of children receiving special education. To the maximum extent possible, membership shall be representative of the different age groups, disabilities, gender and ethnic diversity reflective of the District’s special education program.
Advisory council members will serve 2-year terms. Parent council members will serve no more than two consecutive terms. The Student Support Services department will send notification annually to all parents of students receiving special education, inviting them to apply for open advisory council positions.
Participation of Parents of Children Receiving Special Education:
Advisory council meetings are open to the public. The meetings will be publicized using ISD 276 District-wide communications.
Tasks of the Council: The council shall meet regularly in accordance with a schedule determined by the Executive Director of Student Support Services in collaboration with the advisory council. The primary tasks of the council shall be to make recommendations to the Student Support Services administration for improvement of special education services.
Reporting: Agendas and minutes of council meetings shall be maintained, by the Special Services Office, in a location that is accessible to all parents. In addition, each year the council will make a report to the School Board concerning the council’s activities.