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Project 3|51 ambassadors honored; CPAC speaker urges deeper family engagement in special‑education planning
Summary
The committee welcomed Project 3|51 eighth‑grade ambassadors and heard a presentation from Leslie of the Federation for Children with Special Needs on the statutory role of CPACs and best practices for family engagement in special education.
The Wachusett Regional School Committee opened its April 28 meeting with recognition for Project 3|51 eighth‑grade ambassadors from the district’s five towns. Mary Kringen, a retired principal and Project 3|51 regional coach, introduced Akavli Daga and the group of 2025 ambassadors; several students then described service projects including a clothing drive and an Earth Day cleanup.
Later in the agenda the Wachusett CPAC vice chair Lindsay Lukasen introduced Leslie, project director at the Federation for Children with Special Needs, who gave an overview of CPACs (Special Education Parent Advisory Councils). Leslie described CPACs’ three statutory duties — advising the school committee, meeting regularly with school officials, and participating in planning, development and evaluation of special‑education programs — and urged the district to co‑design programs with families. "When schools and families work together, students have better outcomes," Leslie said, urging regular meetings, clear communication, and inclusion of CPAC voice in planning and evaluation.
CPAC leaders and the federation offered to provide training and technical assistance; CPAC’s next general membership meeting and annual officer election are scheduled and CPAC leadership encouraged ongoing dialogue with administration. The committee thanked the ambassadors and the CPAC presenters for their work.
No policy changes were adopted as a result of the presentation; CPAC engagement and follow up were suggested as next steps.
