• Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School District Special Education Parent Advisory Group

    (SEPAG)

    Mission:

    Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School District SEPAG mission is to facilitate communication between students, parents, staff, the Board of Education, and the community, with regards to issues surrounding the district's special education programs. Our goal is to improve the quality of special education district-wide. All parents of children with diverse abilities who may have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) who are educated in schools within or outside of the student’s home district are invited to be part of the SEPAG. Parents do not need special training or background knowledge to be a member. Other members may include: school leaders, members of the Board of Education, teachers, Child Study Team members, and other school professionals committed to improving education in the district.

    Executive Board Members:

    • Mrs. Ellen Ashinoff
    • Ms. Danielle Pantaleo

    Resources:

    1. The NJ State Administrative Code (Special Education laws for NJ)

    2. The Statewide Parent Advocacy Group

    3. PRISE (Parental Rights in Special Education)

    4. Wrightslaw

    5. ​New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE)

    Bylaws:

    RFH SEPAG Bylaws*
    *Developed and agreed upon, placed into action on 10/21/2024.

    Article I: Authorization and Procedures for SEPAG
    Authorization for a district wide SEPAG is derived from NJ Administrative Code 6A: 14 - 1.2. Parent Advisory groups are required by state regulation. Meetings of the SEPAG will be convened as follows:

    General meetings will be held no less than 5 times per year. In addition to providing information and training opportunities for parents, a portion of the meeting will be designated for parental input to the SEPAG executive board.

    Administrative meetings: At a mutually agreed upon time quarterly or as needed, the representative from the SEPAG will meet with the Supervisor of Special Services or designated liaison and to provide input on the policies, programs, and practices that impact services and supports for students with disabilities. They will communicate barriers or challenges experienced by families, represent family concerns, focus on student needs as a group rather than an individual, and ask clarifying questions.

    Board of Education meetings: The Board of Education will provide a liaison to the SEPAG group who will report back to the Board of Education at the public meeting immediately following the SEPAG group meeting.

    Article II: Name of the Organization
    The name of this organization shall be the Special Education Parent Advisory Group, known as the Rumson-Fair Haven SEPAG.

    Article III: Mission Statement/Guidelines for Operation
    Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School District’s SEPAG mission is to facilitate communication with the RFH School District by providing input on issues affecting students with disabilities in the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School District for the purpose of enhancing the policies, programs and services for students with disabilities. Advise the Supervisor of Special Services and administration on the operation and development of special education programs - parents and teacher training needs, and help to develop, review, revise, and comment on any special education policy, provide input for the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional School District and staff to share accomplishments, goals and needs.

    Some specific objectives from the Mission Statement are:
    • To provide direct input on the policies, programs and practices that impact services and supports for children with disabilities and their families.
    • To increase the involvement of families of children with special needs in making recommendations on special education services.
    • To advise on matters that pertain to the education, health and safety of children with special needs.

    SEPAG uses the definitions of terms set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and its implementing regulations as well as the definitions set forth in NJ Law and Regulation.

    The RFH SEPAG shall conduct itself in a manner that will protect the privacy of all concerned individuals including parents, students, and district employees. Therefore, names and other personal information will be withheld from all meeting communications.

    Article IV: Types of Membership
    General membership shall be open to any residents of the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School District including the Supervisor of Special Services, CST, teachers, and/or RFH Board of Education members.

    Article V: Executive Board of the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School District SEPAG
    Board Member Responsibilities:

    • Set the agenda for each open meeting

    • Serve as spokesperson for the organization, recruit new members

    • Report to the Supervisor of Special Services

    • Maintain contact lists

    • Maintain website in conjunction with the Supervisor of Special Services

    • Maintain social media accounts, email account

    • Outreach to SPAN for activities and programs, forums, presentations, speakers

     

    Please email Mrs. Malaney, Supervisor of Special Services, if you are interested in joining RFH SEPAG:

    lmalaney@rumsonfairhaven.org