Special Education PACs (PACs or SEPACs) in Massachusetts are self-governing organizations made up of parents of
children with special needs. They are not a sub-committee of the School Committee, nor are they under the control of
the Special Education Director. Rather, they are intended to act in an advisory capactity to each.
Massachusetts Special Education law, CHAPTER 71B. CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, Section
3, states:
"The school committee of any city, town, or school district shall establish a parent advisory council on special education.
Membership shall be offered to all parents of children with disabilities and other interested parties. The parent advisory
council duties shall include but not be limited to: advising the school committee 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 committee’s special education programs. The parent advisory council shall establish by-laws
regarding officers and operational procedures. In the course of its duties under this section, the parent advisory council
shall receive assistance from the school committee without charge, upon reasonable notice, and subject to the availability
of staff and resources. "
Further, Massachusetts law Chapter 71: Section 1C. Workshops on rights of students and their
parents under special education laws of the commonwealth and the federal government states:
Section 1C. Each school district shall conduct, in cooperation with the local parent advisory council, at least one workshop
annually within the school district on the rights of students and their parents and guardians under the special education
laws of the commonwealth and the federal government and shall make written materials explaining such rights available upon
request.
