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. The meetings are currently scheduled for 11:30 am on: TBD for the 23-24 school year-
Sandra Elliott Bryant, Debra Schmitt, Jill Jessee-Dixon, Jacqueline Rickmond; Candice Zimmerman, Teacher; Teresa Sizemore-Hernandez, School Board Representative; Ashleigh Judd, Secretary and Randy Jennings, Consultant. Participating agencies include: Sullivan Hutson, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys and 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.