Penfield SEPTA returns with focus on inclusion, parent supports and teacher grants
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Summary
Becca Johnson and Amanda Shantz presented a revitalized Penfield SEPTA (Special Education PTA), describing increased membership and outreach, plans for a speaker series and scholarships, and requests for streamlined district communications with parent advisory groups.
Becca Johnson, president of Penfield SEPTA, and Amanda Shantz, SEPTA secretary, addressed the Board of Education on Feb. 10 to present the parent advisory board’s recent work and priorities. "We're here. We're not going anywhere, and we're building something really great," Johnson said, describing SEPTA’s goal to build bridges between families, teachers and administrators to support students with disabilities.
Johnson outlined SEPTA’s focus on visibility and outreach, noting a district‑wide survey (58 responses) and partnerships that have doubled meeting attendance. Amanda Shantz described tangible initiatives: a speaker series driven by family requests, scholarships for graduating seniors who navigated special education services, plans for teacher grants and an "OT wishlist" to help fulfill classroom accessibility needs, and informal parent meetups to foster peer support.
Both presenters emphasized that SEPTA aims to be a resource rather than a fundraising body. They said they are exploring infrastructure options (a permanent mailing address and potential 501(c)(3) status) and partnerships—citing support from St. John Fisher College marketing students for social media and event planning. Johnson asked the district to streamline communications to improve parent advisory participation and to treat SEPTA as an advisory partner.
Board members asked follow-up questions about survey findings and potential funding for teacher grants and classroom resources. SEPTA representatives said their immediate priorities include increasing in‑person events and developing an operating budget supported by PTAs/PTOs and community partnerships; they offered examples of small grants (one proposed event at $1,500) that SEPTA could support if funding is available.
Ending: The board welcomed SEPTA’s presentation and expressed support; SEPTA will continue coordination with district staff and parent groups as it refines its programs and requests for advisory and resource support.
