CCAC approves May minutes; committee to form subcommittees including new policy/legislative ad hoc

The Special Education Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CCAC) voted to approve the minutes for the May 19, 2025 meeting. Amy Kilpatrick moved to approve the minutes and Sarah Sharehofer seconded. The motion carried with 19 in favor and one abstention recorded for Rania Adema.

Agenda business also covered committee organization for the coming school year. Chair Jamie Shoplin told members the CCAC will form standing subcommittees (budget, membership, events, communication, student voices) and intends to convene an ad hoc policy and legislative subcommittee to monitor state and federal developments, including Blueprint implementation legislation in Annapolis. The group plans to revive an ad hoc committee to consider board of education election engagement and candidates’ positions on special education issues.

Members discussed streamlining subcommittee start-up by having CCAC officers and interested members meet with potential chairs to draft work plans and clarify expectations. The committee’s bylaws require monthly subcommittee meetings and a work plan from each group; chair Shoplin said officers will assist new subcommittees in forming and selecting chairs.

Member voices included requests to examine transportation communication between special education and transportation staff, and positive reports about school-level improvements: a bus driver arranging planning time with special education staff, a new elementary building whose design (doors and walls) supported greater inclusion, and an added specialized classroom at Urbana Elementary. The committee agreed to pursue transportation information for a future meeting.

Chair Shoplin announced the next CCAC meeting will be Sept. 15 from 6–8 p.m. in the Board Room; Dr. Dyson is scheduled to attend and the CCAC hopes to present subcommittee work plans at that meeting.