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Malden SEPAC presents caregiver survey; superintendent outlines district special-education program review
Summary
A SEPAC caregiver survey of 114 families documented inconsistent IEP/504 implementation, service delays and communication gaps; Superintendent Sippel said the district will conduct a comprehensive special-education program review aligned with an internal audit by April and may seek external assistance via RFQ.
SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) representatives presented findings from an anonymous caregiver survey at the Dec. 8 Malden School Committee meeting that documented strengths in individual educator supports and specialized programs, alongside systemic challenges.
Jackie Ecker, Marilyn Andrews and Imene Bouziane reported that 114 families — mostly those with students on IEPs or 504 plans — completed the survey distributed via ParentSquare and SEPAC’s Facebook page. While many respondents said they felt supported by individual teachers and paraprofessionals, the survey identified inconsistent implementation of IEPs and 504 plans, delayed or missed services, staffing shortages, communication gaps, and some adversarial experiences during team meetings.
SEPAC recommended clearer communication protocols, strategic staffing plans, regular implementation checks, stronger inclusion practices and renewed engagement with the Apple Program for parent‑professional collaboration. Committee members acknowledged the survey’s findings and asked about reach (including multilingual families) and next steps.
Superintendent Sippel said the district’s Goal Three will include a comprehensive special‑education program review that integrates the special education services audit. He described a five-dimension review using DESE data across pre-K through grade 12, town halls and multilingual surveys to gather stakeholder input, an internal audit to be completed and presented by April, and the possibility of issuing an RFQ to procure external technical assistance if needed. The superintendent said the proposed plan would use existing district resources to develop the scope of work and that any external procurement would follow routine selection processes.
Committee members said they support continued collaboration with SEPAC and look forward to receiving the audit timeline and findings, which the superintendent said will inform next steps and be incorporated into the district strategic plan.
