Special Education Advisory Committee

Local special education advisory committees (SEACs) have a long history in Virginia. Every school division is required to have a SEAC as detailed in Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia, effective January 25, 2010.

The major purpose of SEACs is to provide an opportunity for parents and other school board appointees to have a voice in the way school divisions provide services to students with disabilities.

What is the Local Special Education Advisory Committee?

The Local Special Education Advisory Committee is appointed by the school board. Moreover, the committee advises the school board through the division superintendent concerning special education services.

Who comprises membership on the committee?

The majority of the committee shall be parents of children with disabilities or individuals with disabilities. The committee shall include one teacher. Additionally, local school division personnel shall serve as consultants to the committee.

What are the functions of the committee?

The committee a) advises the local school division of needs in the education of children with disabilities; b) participates in the development of priorities and strategies for meeting the needs of children with disabilities; c) submits reports/recommendations; d) assists in the local school division in interpreting plans to the community for meeting the special needs of children; e) reviews policies and procedures for the provision of special education prior to submission to the local school board, and f) participates in the review of the local school division’s annual plan.

When are the meetings, and who can attend?

The meetings are held at least 4 times a year and are open to the public.

The 2025-2026 school year meetings will be held at Salem City School Board Office, 510 S. College Avenue in Salem beginning at 8:30 am on the following dates:
 
Monday, Sept 15, 2025
Monday, Nov 17, 2025
Monday, Jan 26, 2026
Monday, March 16, 2026
Final Meeting TBD
 
Committee Members:

  • Sandra Elliott Bryant

  • Debra Schmitt

  • Jill Jessee-Dixon

  • Jacqueline Rickmond

  • Beth Haley, Teacher

  • Teresa Sizemore-Hernandez, School Board Representative

  • Ashleigh Judd, Secretary

  • Randy Jennings, Consultant

Participating Agencies:

  • Sullivan Hutson, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys

  • Mary Worthington, Blue Ridge Independent Living Center

You may contact Ashleigh Judd, Special Education Secretary, at (540) 389-0130 x1863 to leave a message for the committee.

 

SEAC Meeting Minutes