Special education council sees change in leadership

In partnership with the Dartmouth Public Schools, the Dartmouth Special Education Parent Advisory Council announces that Lauren Enoksen is the newly elected chair. In this role, Enoksen will join other board members, Deb August, treasurer, and Stephanie Melo, school liaison. 

The secretary role is still vacant.

Massachusetts general law and regulation require that a school district creates a district-wide parent advisory council offering membership to all parents of eligible students and other interested parties.

The parent advisory council duties include but are not limited to advising the district on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities and meeting regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, developing, and evaluating the school district's special education programs. 

The parent advisory council can also establish by-laws regarding officers and operational procedures and, in the course of its duties, the parent advisory council shall receive assistance from the district without charge, upon reasonable notice, and subject to the availability of staff and resources.”

For the past thirteen years Kathleen Amaral has led this charge as council chair. Amaral also serves as a member of the Dartmouth School Committee.

In early 2020, Amaral announced her intention to step down as chair. Her middle child brought her to join the council and succession planning for new leadership was a priority as he nears the end of his entitlement to special education services.

Receiving no nominations for this role, Amaral ultimately chose to stay to respond to parent concerns, especially those with high needs students, throughout the pandemic.

Under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), eligible students are entitled to a “free and appropriate education” from age three up through graduation or turning 22. 

Amaral said she is “beyond thrilled to know Lauren will now take the helm and lead the SEPAC into the future.”

Enoksen recently completed a leadership program for families of people with disabilities eligible for the Department of Developmental Services. 

From that, Enoksen became inspired to seek out opportunities to make a positive change in her community. The council came to mind, and now she looks forward to leading them where “parents and caregivers coming together to voice concerns and work together to create change.” 

Following the recent vote, Enoksen will now work with the district to schedule meetings and workshops. 

“There is no better time to get involved with a SEPAC than now,” Amaral said. “With so much uncertainty and speculation as to what recent federal changes mean on a local level, parents and interested parties coming together to ensure our most vulnerable students maintain the services and supports they need is critical.”