Adopted: July 2025
801.15AR Special Education Advisory Council
1. Purpose – The purpose of the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) is to increase the involvement of parents of children with disabilities in district policy making and decision making.
2. Role
2.1 The SEAC receives reports and gives input and advice concerning the goals and objectives of special education programming in District 196.
2.2 The SEAC represents the interests of district learners with disabilities from birth until age 22.
2.3 The SEAC advises the Special Education Department on current issues, program development, parental concerns and involvement, and department priorities.
2.4 The SEAC serves as an advocate for high quality special education programs.
2.5 The SEAC promotes communication between family, school and community, actively seeking input from students and parents.
3. Membership
3.1 The SEAC is comprised of up to 25 individuals with a shared interest in the provision of special education services to students with disabilities. At least half of SEAC members must be parents of students with a disability and at least one member must be a parent of a nonpublic school student with a disability, or an employee of a nonpublic school if no parent of a nonpublic school student with a disability is available to serve.
3.2 The director of special education and up to three members of the School Board serve as ex-officio members of SEAC.
3.3 Member terms begin with the first SEAC meeting in the fall. Terms are for two years and are staggered. Members shall be eligible to serve two consecutive two-year terms.
3.4 New members are selected by SEAC at the last meeting of the school year, and approved by the School Board.
4. Meetings
4.1 The SEAC holds at least one meeting each year, as determined by the council, and members communicate electronically between meetings.
4.2 SEAC meetings are publicized on the district website.
4.3 SEAC meetings are open to the public. The SEAC may, at its discretion, permit members of the public to address the council.
4.4 The director of special education ensures that minutes are taken at each meeting and maintains a copy in district records.
References:
- Minnesota Statute 125A.24, Parent Advisory Councils