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District moves toward Special Education parent-teacher organization
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Schwartz reported two parents have proposed forming a Special Education Parent Teacher Organization (SEPTO) to support families from pre-K through postsecondary programs; the district said it is working with parents and staff on a draft mission.
Superintendent Dr. Schwartz told the Waterbury Board of Education on April 9 that two parents approached district leaders with a proposal to form a Special Education Parent Teacher Organization (SEPTO).
"I wanna give a big shout out to 2 parents, Jackie Smith and Amanda Solo, who came to me with an idea of starting a special education parent teacher organization," Dr. Schwartz said. She said district staff, including Wendy Johns and Amy Sims, have worked with the parents to produce a working draft mission for the group.
The working draft described in the meeting states the organization will support students from pre-K through postsecondary programs in Waterbury public schools, with a focus on educating and advocating for parents and helping them connect with resources. Dr. Schwartz said the group would give parents a regular chance to gather information and receive support and that the district has reviewed SEPTO models from other Connecticut districts to guide the effort.
The board did not take a vote on formal recognition during the April 9 meeting; Dr. Schwartz said the district looks forward to continuing the conversation and launching the group "somewhat soon."
