Special Education Advisory Committee updates board on early-childhood shift, family engagement and student leadership

The Winchester Public School Board received an update from the Special Education Advisory Committee on May 27, focusing on early-childhood special education, family engagement and family empowerment activities.

Doctor Mullins introduced the SEAC presentation and Miss Wingard, SEAC chair, told the board that the division and SEAC are continuing work after the board’s recent vote to move early childhood special education (ECSE) programming from the regional model to an in‑house model. "The board voted to bring early childhood special education programming to an in house model and move away from being under the umbrella of the regional program," Wingard said, and SEAC expressed gratitude for the board’s support during the transition.

Wingard summarized SEAC’s three priorities and recent activities. The committee plans a summer planning meeting and anticipates recruiting new members to represent ECSE families during the transition. SEAC also described the I’m Determined showcase held April 5, which featured student youth ambassadors presenting their work, family breakout sessions, a family self-determination activity led by Doctor Mullins and targeted transition information for parents planning for post‑secondary options.

SEAC emphasized family engagement and empowerment as ongoing priorities and said members will participate in the division’s July readiness fair. The committee asked the board for continued support as it helps families navigate the division’s ECSE changes and transition processes.

The presentation was provided for board information; no formal board action on SEAC recommendations was recorded during the meeting.