WRSD SEPAC By-laws
ARTICLE I: NAME OF ORGANIZATION
THE NAME OF THIS ORGANIZATION SHALL BE THE WACHUSETT REGIONAL
SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL, ALSO
KNOWN AS WRSD SEPAC.
ARTICLE II: MISSION
AS A STATED MANDATED DISTRICTWIDE VOLUNTEER, SELF-GOVERNED
ORGANIZATION [603 CMR 28.07(4)] THE MISSION OF WRSD SEPAC IS TO:
• WORK TOWARDS THE UNDERSTANDING OF RESPECT, SUPPORT, AND
APPROPRIATE EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
• ADVISE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT ON MATTERS THAT PERTAIN TO THE
EDUCATION AND SAFETY OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
• MEET REGULARLY WITH SCHOOL OFFICIALS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF THE DISTRICT’S SPECIAL
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
• CONDUCT AT LEAST ONE WORKSHOP, IN COOPERATION WITH THE
DISTRICT REGARDING RIGHTS OF STUDENTS AND PARENTS/GUARDIANS
UNDER STATE AND FEDERAL SPECIAL EDUCATION LAWS
• PROMOTE EDUCATION OF PARENTS AND THE BROADER COMMUNITY ON
SPECIAL EDUCATION ISSUES AND SERVICES
• TO CREATE CONSTITUENCY AND PRESENCE IN THE DISTRICT, BEING A
FORUM, FAMILY TO FAMILY NETWORKING
ARTICLE III: TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP SHALL BE OPEN TO ANY PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A
CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS WHO RESIDES AND/OR ATTENDS SCHOOLS
(WITH OR WITHOUT AN INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PLAN “IEP”) IN THE
WACHUSETT REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMUNITIES. AS WELL AS ANY
EDUCATOR OR RESIDENT OF THE WRSD COMMUNITIES INTERESTED IN
SPECIAL EDUCATION.
VOTING MEMBERSHIP FOR BUSINESS THAT REQUIRES A VOTE DURING WRSD
MEETINGS, SHALL BE LIMITED TO MEMBERS WHO HAVE A CHILD WITH SPECIAL
NEEDS WHO RESIDES AND/OR ATTENDS SCHOOLS WITH AN IEP IN THE
WACHUSETT REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND WHO HAVE ATTENDED AT
LEAST ONE PREVIOUS MEETING OF THE WRSD SEPAC DURING THE LAST 12
MONTHS OR WHO HAVE REQUESTED VOTING STATUS IN WRITING TO THE
SECRETARY AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE VOTE.
NOTE: NO OFFICER OR MEMBER OF THE WRSD SEPAC IS AUTHORIZED TO
SEND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION(S), ON BEHALF OF THE SEPAC, WITHOUT
PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE OFFICERS UPON REVIEW OF THE CONTENT OF
THE COMMUNICATION.
ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
OFFICERS OF THE WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
ARE ELECTED ACCORDING TO ELECTION PROCEDURES ARTICLE V:
ELECTIONS AND HOLD OFFICE FOR ONE YEAR, EXCEPT FOR THE CHAIR WHO
WILL HOLD OFFICE FOR 2 YEARS. IF ANY OFFICE BECOMES VACANT, AN
ELECTION FOR THAT OFFICE SHALL BE HELD IMMEDIATELY, WITH TERM TO
EXPIRE AT THE MAY MEETING.
OFFICE AND OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL ARE:
CHAIRPERSON
• SET THE AGENDA FOR EACH GENERAL MEETING
• PRESIDE AT ALL MEETINGS OF THE WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT
ADVISORY COUNCIL
• COORDINATE ALL COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE WRSD SPECIAL
EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL AND ITS MEMBERSHIP
• RECOMMEND THE ORGANIZATION OF AND MONITOR THE FUNCTION OF
SUBCOMMITTEES
• ACT AS LIAISON WITH THE ADMINISTRATOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
• PRESIDE AT MEETINGS IN THE ABSENCE OF THE CHAIRPERSON, OR AT
THE REQUEST OF THE CHAIRPERSON
• COORDINATE PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS (IF NEEDED), NOT INCLUDING
THOSE COMMUNICATIONS THAT ARE THE SECRETARY’S
• ASSIST THE CHAIRPERSON AS APPROPRIATE AND PERFORM THOSE
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHAIRPERSON AT HIS/HER REQUEST
SECRETARY
• RECORD MINUTES OF WRSD SEPAC BUSINESS MEETINGS; PRESENT
MINUTES FOR REVIEW AT FOLLOWING MONTH’S MEETING FOR EDIT/APPROVAL
• MAINTAIN FILE COPIES OF WRSD SEPAC MINUTES AND IT’S
SUBCOMMITTEES
• COORDINATE AND FILE MEETING ATTENDANCE RECORDS FOR ALL WRSD
SEPEC MEETINGS, WORKSHOPS, ETC.
• MAINTAIN MEMBERSHIP LIST TO BE USED FOR NOTIFICATION AND VOTING
PURPOSES
• COLLECT AND REVIEW ALL INCOMING CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE
OFFICERS OF THE WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
• PREPARE AND DISTRIBUTE ALL OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE OF THE
WRSD SEPAC FOLLOWING APPROVAL BY OFFICERS, (UNLESS SPECIFICALLY
DELEGATED TO ANOTHER MEMBER/OFFICER)
• PREPARE PERIODIC REPORTS FOR THE SPECIAL EDUCATION
ADMINISTRATION REGARDING SEPAC ACTIVITIES AND NEEDS
• NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND
THE ADMINISTRATOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION OF THE ANNUAL ELECTION
RESULTS, PROVIDING THE NAMES, ADDRESSES, AND PHONE NUMBERS OF
THE NEW OFFICERS NO LATER THAN ONE WEEK AFTER ELECTIONS
NOTE: THE SECRETARY’S POSITION CAN BE SPLIT INTO TWO ROLES AS
NEEDED; RECORDING SECRETARY AND CORRESPONDENCE SECRETARY. IF
THIS BECOMES NECESSARY, DUTIES OF EACH POSITION WILL BE CLEARLY
DEFINED TO ENSURE ALL TASKS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR.
TREASURER
• MANAGE AND ACCOUNT FOR FUNDS COLLECTED, DONATED, AND/OR
SPENT FOR THE WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL.
THE COUNCIL’S OFFICERS MUST APPROVE OUTGOING FUNDS (IE:
PURCHASES, PAYMENTS, ETC.) IN EXCESS OF $50.00
• PREPARE AND PRESENT THE TREASURER’S REPORT FOR MONTHLY
BUSINESS MEETINGS
• OVERSEE THE MONETARY ASPECTS OF FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES,
THOUGH SUBCOMMITTEE(S) MAY MANAGE THE OVERALL ACTIVITY OF FUND
RAISING PROJECT(S)
• COORDINATE EFFORTS TO APPLY FOR GRANTS, DONATIONS,
REIMBURSEMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FUNDS FOR WHICH THE WRSD SPECIAL
EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MAY BE ELIGIBLE. (THIS CAN BE A
COLLABORATIVE EFFORT WITH OTHER MEMBERS, OFFICERS, SUBCOMMITTEE
(S), AND/OR WRSD PERSONNEL)
ARTICLE V: ELECTIONS
ELECTIONS SHALL BE THE FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS DURING THE LAST
MEETING OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT YEAR. ELECTIONS SHALL BE DECIDED BY
A SIMPLE MAJORITY VOTE OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT. NEW OFFICERS SHALL
TAKE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY. OUTGOING OFFICERS ARE EXPECTED TO MEET
WITH INCOMING OFFICERS TO REVIEW DUTIES, RECORD KEEPING
RESPONSIBILITIES, ETC. TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION.
THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WILL BE INFORMED OF THE ANNUAL
ELECTIONS WITH THE NAMES, ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS OF THE
NEW BOARD NO LATER THAN ONE WEEK AFTER ELECTIONS.
NOMINATIONS WILL BE MADE BY BALLOT. ALL NOMINEES MUST BE VOTING
MEMBERS OF SEPAC. NOMINATIONS BALLOTS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO
VOTING MEMBERS AT A WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY
COUNCIL MEETING AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO ELECTIONS. THE VICE-
CHAIRPERSON IS AUTOMATICALLY NOMINATED FOR THE OFFICER OF THE
CHAIRPERSON. ALL MEMBERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO MAKE NOMINATIONS.
PRIOR TO THE NOMINATION MEETING, A VOLUNTEER WILL BE RECRUITED
FROM THE VOTING MEMBERSHIP OF THE WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT
ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR THE TEMPORARY POSITION OF ELECTION
COORDINATOR. THE SELECTION OF THE VOLUNTEER WILL BE DECIDED BY
LOTTERY OF THE NAMES OF VOLUNTEERS (AN ELECTION COORDINATOR
PREVENTS POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST).
THE ELECTION COORDINATOR WILL COORDINATE ACTIVITIES NECESSARY TO
COMPLETE THE ELECTION. AT THE NOMINATING MEETING, THE ELECTION
COORDINATOR WILL TALLY THE NOMINATIONS. WITHIN TWO DAYS, THE
ELECTION COORDINATOR SHALL ANNOUNCE/NOTIFY INDIVIDUALS
NOMINATED. TO REMAIN ON THE BALLOT NOMINEES SHALL ACCEPT OR
DECLINE THEIR NOMINATIONS WITHIN ONE WEEK OF BEING NOTIFIED OF
THEIR NOMINATION. THE ELECTION COORDINATOR SHALL COMPILE THE LIST
AND PREPARE THE BALLOTS. A BALLOT MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR EACH
VOTING MEMBER.
ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS
MEETINGS ARE DEFINED AS ANY WRSD SEPAC-SPONSORED MEETING,
ACTIVITY, OR COMMITTEE(S) AT WHICH ATTENDANCE IS TAKEN. GENERAL
MEETINGS SHALL BE HELD AT LEAST MONTHLY, FROM SEPTEMBER THROUGH
JUNE. ADVANCE NOTICE OF ALL GENERAL MEETING DATES, ELECTIONS,
INFORMATIONAL LECTURES, ETC. WILL BE PUBLISHED/POSTED IN AS MANY
PLACES AS POSSIBLE TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION FROM ALL INTERESTED
PARTIES; THIS WILL BE DONE ON A “BEST EFFORT” BASIS BY DESIGNATED
MEMBERS/VOLUNTEERS WITHIN EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE TOWNS. THESE
INCLUDE NOTICES IN THE LOCAL PRESS, POSTINGS AT TOWN HALLS, AND/OR
OTHER PUBLIC PLACES (TOWN LIBRARIES, LOCAL CABLE TV CHANNEL
BULLETIN BOARDS, TOWN/SCHOOL INTERNET WEBSITES, ETC.) AND A NOTICE
SENT TO EACH VOTING MEMBER WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, A CALENDAR OF MEETINGS WILL BE DEVELOPED
AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH SCHOOL YEAR. DURING THE JUNE MEETING, THE
CHAIRPERSON SHALL TAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CALENDAR OF
MEETINGS FOR THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL YEAR. THE CALENDAR SHALL
INCLUDE DATES AND TIMES OF THE MEETINGS AND PROJECTED ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR. UPDATES AND REMINDERS OF UPCOMING
MEETINGS/ELECTIONS/LECTURES/ETC. WILL BE COMMUNICATED AS NEEDED.
UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED IN THE BYLAWS, MATTERS REQUIRING A VOTE
TO BE TAKEN OF THE VOTING MEMBERSHIP SHALL BE DONE BY SIMPLE
MAJORITY VOTE, PROVIDED THERE ARE A MINIMUM OF TEN(10) VOTING
MEMBERS PRESENT. THESE MATTERS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS :
• A CHANGE IN THE BYLAWS (WHICH CAN ONLY BE VOTED ON AT A
GENERAL MEETING). REFER TO ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS, FOR ADDITIONAL
CRITERIA FOR BYLAWS CHANGES.
• A COMMITMENT OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES IN EXCESS OF $100.00
• ELECTIONS REQUIRE A VOTE AS DESCRIBED IN ARTICLE V: ELECTIONS
MINUTES OF ALL WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
MEETINGS SHALL BE RECORDED AND RETAINED BY THE SEPAC SECRETARY
FOR THE COUNCIL’S RECORDS, AND WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC
UPON REQUEST.
ARTICLE VII: SUBCOMMITTEES
SUBCOMMITTEES SHALL BE CREATED AS NEEDED. THE SUBCOMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSON SHALL BE A VOLUNTEER OR WILL BY A NOMINEE ACCEPTED BY
A SIMPLE MAJORITY OF THE VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT.
ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS
BEFORE ANY VOTE MAY BE TAKEN TO AMEND THESE BYLAWS, A 15-DAY
WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT(S), INCLUDING THE FULL
TEXT THEREOF, SHALL BE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL VOTING MEMBERS.
BYLAW CHANGES/AMENDMENTS REQUIRE A TWO-THIRDS (2/3) VOTE OF THE
VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT. ADDITIONALLY, A MINIMUM OF TEN (10) VOTING
MEMBERS MUST BE PRESENT WHEN A VOTE IS TAKEN TO AMEND THE BYLAWS.
ARTICLE IX: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER ARE THE DEFAULT PROCEDURES FOR ALL
WRSD SEPAC MEETINGS.
At a meeting of the Wachusett Regional School District Parent’s Advisory Council
held on March 13, 2007, at the Davis Hill Elementary School in Holden, it was voted
that the above By-Laws pertaining to Wachusett Regional School District Parents’
Advisory Council be and are hereby accepted.
First Reading 11/14/06
Second Reading 03/13/07
THE NAME OF THIS ORGANIZATION SHALL BE THE WACHUSETT REGIONAL
SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL, ALSO
KNOWN AS WRSD SEPAC.
ARTICLE II: MISSION
AS A STATED MANDATED DISTRICTWIDE VOLUNTEER, SELF-GOVERNED
ORGANIZATION [603 CMR 28.07(4)] THE MISSION OF WRSD SEPAC IS TO:
• WORK TOWARDS THE UNDERSTANDING OF RESPECT, SUPPORT, AND
APPROPRIATE EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
• ADVISE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT ON MATTERS THAT PERTAIN TO THE
EDUCATION AND SAFETY OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
• MEET REGULARLY WITH SCHOOL OFFICIALS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF THE DISTRICT’S SPECIAL
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
• CONDUCT AT LEAST ONE WORKSHOP, IN COOPERATION WITH THE
DISTRICT REGARDING RIGHTS OF STUDENTS AND PARENTS/GUARDIANS
UNDER STATE AND FEDERAL SPECIAL EDUCATION LAWS
• PROMOTE EDUCATION OF PARENTS AND THE BROADER COMMUNITY ON
SPECIAL EDUCATION ISSUES AND SERVICES
• TO CREATE CONSTITUENCY AND PRESENCE IN THE DISTRICT, BEING A
FORUM, FAMILY TO FAMILY NETWORKING
ARTICLE III: TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP SHALL BE OPEN TO ANY PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A
CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS WHO RESIDES AND/OR ATTENDS SCHOOLS
(WITH OR WITHOUT AN INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PLAN “IEP”) IN THE
WACHUSETT REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMUNITIES. AS WELL AS ANY
EDUCATOR OR RESIDENT OF THE WRSD COMMUNITIES INTERESTED IN
SPECIAL EDUCATION.
VOTING MEMBERSHIP FOR BUSINESS THAT REQUIRES A VOTE DURING WRSD
MEETINGS, SHALL BE LIMITED TO MEMBERS WHO HAVE A CHILD WITH SPECIAL
NEEDS WHO RESIDES AND/OR ATTENDS SCHOOLS WITH AN IEP IN THE
WACHUSETT REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND WHO HAVE ATTENDED AT
LEAST ONE PREVIOUS MEETING OF THE WRSD SEPAC DURING THE LAST 12
MONTHS OR WHO HAVE REQUESTED VOTING STATUS IN WRITING TO THE
SECRETARY AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE VOTE.
NOTE: NO OFFICER OR MEMBER OF THE WRSD SEPAC IS AUTHORIZED TO
SEND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION(S), ON BEHALF OF THE SEPAC, WITHOUT
PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE OFFICERS UPON REVIEW OF THE CONTENT OF
THE COMMUNICATION.
ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
OFFICERS OF THE WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
ARE ELECTED ACCORDING TO ELECTION PROCEDURES ARTICLE V:
ELECTIONS AND HOLD OFFICE FOR ONE YEAR, EXCEPT FOR THE CHAIR WHO
WILL HOLD OFFICE FOR 2 YEARS. IF ANY OFFICE BECOMES VACANT, AN
ELECTION FOR THAT OFFICE SHALL BE HELD IMMEDIATELY, WITH TERM TO
EXPIRE AT THE MAY MEETING.
OFFICE AND OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL ARE:
CHAIRPERSON
• SET THE AGENDA FOR EACH GENERAL MEETING
• PRESIDE AT ALL MEETINGS OF THE WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT
ADVISORY COUNCIL
• COORDINATE ALL COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE WRSD SPECIAL
EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL AND ITS MEMBERSHIP
• RECOMMEND THE ORGANIZATION OF AND MONITOR THE FUNCTION OF
SUBCOMMITTEES
• ACT AS LIAISON WITH THE ADMINISTRATOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
• PRESIDE AT MEETINGS IN THE ABSENCE OF THE CHAIRPERSON, OR AT
THE REQUEST OF THE CHAIRPERSON
• COORDINATE PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS (IF NEEDED), NOT INCLUDING
THOSE COMMUNICATIONS THAT ARE THE SECRETARY’S
• ASSIST THE CHAIRPERSON AS APPROPRIATE AND PERFORM THOSE
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHAIRPERSON AT HIS/HER REQUEST
SECRETARY
• RECORD MINUTES OF WRSD SEPAC BUSINESS MEETINGS; PRESENT
MINUTES FOR REVIEW AT FOLLOWING MONTH’S MEETING FOR EDIT/APPROVAL
• MAINTAIN FILE COPIES OF WRSD SEPAC MINUTES AND IT’S
SUBCOMMITTEES
• COORDINATE AND FILE MEETING ATTENDANCE RECORDS FOR ALL WRSD
SEPEC MEETINGS, WORKSHOPS, ETC.
• MAINTAIN MEMBERSHIP LIST TO BE USED FOR NOTIFICATION AND VOTING
PURPOSES
• COLLECT AND REVIEW ALL INCOMING CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE
OFFICERS OF THE WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
• PREPARE AND DISTRIBUTE ALL OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE OF THE
WRSD SEPAC FOLLOWING APPROVAL BY OFFICERS, (UNLESS SPECIFICALLY
DELEGATED TO ANOTHER MEMBER/OFFICER)
• PREPARE PERIODIC REPORTS FOR THE SPECIAL EDUCATION
ADMINISTRATION REGARDING SEPAC ACTIVITIES AND NEEDS
• NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND
THE ADMINISTRATOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION OF THE ANNUAL ELECTION
RESULTS, PROVIDING THE NAMES, ADDRESSES, AND PHONE NUMBERS OF
THE NEW OFFICERS NO LATER THAN ONE WEEK AFTER ELECTIONS
NOTE: THE SECRETARY’S POSITION CAN BE SPLIT INTO TWO ROLES AS
NEEDED; RECORDING SECRETARY AND CORRESPONDENCE SECRETARY. IF
THIS BECOMES NECESSARY, DUTIES OF EACH POSITION WILL BE CLEARLY
DEFINED TO ENSURE ALL TASKS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR.
TREASURER
• MANAGE AND ACCOUNT FOR FUNDS COLLECTED, DONATED, AND/OR
SPENT FOR THE WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL.
THE COUNCIL’S OFFICERS MUST APPROVE OUTGOING FUNDS (IE:
PURCHASES, PAYMENTS, ETC.) IN EXCESS OF $50.00
• PREPARE AND PRESENT THE TREASURER’S REPORT FOR MONTHLY
BUSINESS MEETINGS
• OVERSEE THE MONETARY ASPECTS OF FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES,
THOUGH SUBCOMMITTEE(S) MAY MANAGE THE OVERALL ACTIVITY OF FUND
RAISING PROJECT(S)
• COORDINATE EFFORTS TO APPLY FOR GRANTS, DONATIONS,
REIMBURSEMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FUNDS FOR WHICH THE WRSD SPECIAL
EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MAY BE ELIGIBLE. (THIS CAN BE A
COLLABORATIVE EFFORT WITH OTHER MEMBERS, OFFICERS, SUBCOMMITTEE
(S), AND/OR WRSD PERSONNEL)
ARTICLE V: ELECTIONS
ELECTIONS SHALL BE THE FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS DURING THE LAST
MEETING OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT YEAR. ELECTIONS SHALL BE DECIDED BY
A SIMPLE MAJORITY VOTE OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT. NEW OFFICERS SHALL
TAKE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY. OUTGOING OFFICERS ARE EXPECTED TO MEET
WITH INCOMING OFFICERS TO REVIEW DUTIES, RECORD KEEPING
RESPONSIBILITIES, ETC. TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION.
THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WILL BE INFORMED OF THE ANNUAL
ELECTIONS WITH THE NAMES, ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS OF THE
NEW BOARD NO LATER THAN ONE WEEK AFTER ELECTIONS.
NOMINATIONS WILL BE MADE BY BALLOT. ALL NOMINEES MUST BE VOTING
MEMBERS OF SEPAC. NOMINATIONS BALLOTS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO
VOTING MEMBERS AT A WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY
COUNCIL MEETING AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO ELECTIONS. THE VICE-
CHAIRPERSON IS AUTOMATICALLY NOMINATED FOR THE OFFICER OF THE
CHAIRPERSON. ALL MEMBERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO MAKE NOMINATIONS.
PRIOR TO THE NOMINATION MEETING, A VOLUNTEER WILL BE RECRUITED
FROM THE VOTING MEMBERSHIP OF THE WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT
ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR THE TEMPORARY POSITION OF ELECTION
COORDINATOR. THE SELECTION OF THE VOLUNTEER WILL BE DECIDED BY
LOTTERY OF THE NAMES OF VOLUNTEERS (AN ELECTION COORDINATOR
PREVENTS POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST).
THE ELECTION COORDINATOR WILL COORDINATE ACTIVITIES NECESSARY TO
COMPLETE THE ELECTION. AT THE NOMINATING MEETING, THE ELECTION
COORDINATOR WILL TALLY THE NOMINATIONS. WITHIN TWO DAYS, THE
ELECTION COORDINATOR SHALL ANNOUNCE/NOTIFY INDIVIDUALS
NOMINATED. TO REMAIN ON THE BALLOT NOMINEES SHALL ACCEPT OR
DECLINE THEIR NOMINATIONS WITHIN ONE WEEK OF BEING NOTIFIED OF
THEIR NOMINATION. THE ELECTION COORDINATOR SHALL COMPILE THE LIST
AND PREPARE THE BALLOTS. A BALLOT MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR EACH
VOTING MEMBER.
ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS
MEETINGS ARE DEFINED AS ANY WRSD SEPAC-SPONSORED MEETING,
ACTIVITY, OR COMMITTEE(S) AT WHICH ATTENDANCE IS TAKEN. GENERAL
MEETINGS SHALL BE HELD AT LEAST MONTHLY, FROM SEPTEMBER THROUGH
JUNE. ADVANCE NOTICE OF ALL GENERAL MEETING DATES, ELECTIONS,
INFORMATIONAL LECTURES, ETC. WILL BE PUBLISHED/POSTED IN AS MANY
PLACES AS POSSIBLE TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION FROM ALL INTERESTED
PARTIES; THIS WILL BE DONE ON A “BEST EFFORT” BASIS BY DESIGNATED
MEMBERS/VOLUNTEERS WITHIN EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE TOWNS. THESE
INCLUDE NOTICES IN THE LOCAL PRESS, POSTINGS AT TOWN HALLS, AND/OR
OTHER PUBLIC PLACES (TOWN LIBRARIES, LOCAL CABLE TV CHANNEL
BULLETIN BOARDS, TOWN/SCHOOL INTERNET WEBSITES, ETC.) AND A NOTICE
SENT TO EACH VOTING MEMBER WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, A CALENDAR OF MEETINGS WILL BE DEVELOPED
AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH SCHOOL YEAR. DURING THE JUNE MEETING, THE
CHAIRPERSON SHALL TAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CALENDAR OF
MEETINGS FOR THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL YEAR. THE CALENDAR SHALL
INCLUDE DATES AND TIMES OF THE MEETINGS AND PROJECTED ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR. UPDATES AND REMINDERS OF UPCOMING
MEETINGS/ELECTIONS/LECTURES/ETC. WILL BE COMMUNICATED AS NEEDED.
UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED IN THE BYLAWS, MATTERS REQUIRING A VOTE
TO BE TAKEN OF THE VOTING MEMBERSHIP SHALL BE DONE BY SIMPLE
MAJORITY VOTE, PROVIDED THERE ARE A MINIMUM OF TEN(10) VOTING
MEMBERS PRESENT. THESE MATTERS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS :
• A CHANGE IN THE BYLAWS (WHICH CAN ONLY BE VOTED ON AT A
GENERAL MEETING). REFER TO ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS, FOR ADDITIONAL
CRITERIA FOR BYLAWS CHANGES.
• A COMMITMENT OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES IN EXCESS OF $100.00
• ELECTIONS REQUIRE A VOTE AS DESCRIBED IN ARTICLE V: ELECTIONS
MINUTES OF ALL WRSD SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
MEETINGS SHALL BE RECORDED AND RETAINED BY THE SEPAC SECRETARY
FOR THE COUNCIL’S RECORDS, AND WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC
UPON REQUEST.
ARTICLE VII: SUBCOMMITTEES
SUBCOMMITTEES SHALL BE CREATED AS NEEDED. THE SUBCOMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSON SHALL BE A VOLUNTEER OR WILL BY A NOMINEE ACCEPTED BY
A SIMPLE MAJORITY OF THE VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT.
ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS
BEFORE ANY VOTE MAY BE TAKEN TO AMEND THESE BYLAWS, A 15-DAY
WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT(S), INCLUDING THE FULL
TEXT THEREOF, SHALL BE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL VOTING MEMBERS.
BYLAW CHANGES/AMENDMENTS REQUIRE A TWO-THIRDS (2/3) VOTE OF THE
VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT. ADDITIONALLY, A MINIMUM OF TEN (10) VOTING
MEMBERS MUST BE PRESENT WHEN A VOTE IS TAKEN TO AMEND THE BYLAWS.
ARTICLE IX: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER ARE THE DEFAULT PROCEDURES FOR ALL
WRSD SEPAC MEETINGS.
At a meeting of the Wachusett Regional School District Parent’s Advisory Council
held on March 13, 2007, at the Davis Hill Elementary School in Holden, it was voted
that the above By-Laws pertaining to Wachusett Regional School District Parents’
Advisory Council be and are hereby accepted.
First Reading 11/14/06
Second Reading 03/13/07
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