CPAC presents six-year trends: families report inconsistent special‑education communication, ask for clearer processes

Melissa Mackie, representing the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (CPAC), presented the results of the CPAC's April 1–17 annual survey of families of students with disabilities and summarized six years of trend data. Mackie said survey participation was somewhat lower than prior years but captured families across grade levels. The CPAC emphasized recurring themes: inconsistent communication across schools and teams; families wanting clearer, actionable information on IEPs, evaluations and transition planning; and a need for supports so families who feel uncomfortable asking questions can better participate.

Mackie said 78% of respondents reported feeling very or somewhat comfortable raising concerns with teachers or staff, while roughly 14% reported being somewhat or very uncomfortable, a group that the CPAC said needs additional outreach. The survey showed families value direct access to district leadership: 68% said they wanted a chat or office hours with the director of special education. Mackie said many of the CPAC's recommendations already align with the district's improvement plan and school-level improvement work. The CPAC recommended four priorities: (1) improve communication and family engagement with usable information, not simply more emails; (2) increase consistency in how schools and teams communicate and support families; (3) improve family understanding of special‑education processes (evaluations, IEPs, transition planning); and (4) support equitable access to services and scheduling so that services do not force students to choose between support and other school experiences.

Committee members thanked Mackie for leading the CPAC and noted the council's volunteer role in translating family voice into actionable recommendations. Mackie said she will step down after five years of CPAC leadership; committee members publicly thanked her for her work. Committee members encouraged the CPAC and district to use MassPAC resources (basic-rights workshops) and open office hours to expand family access. Mackie said awareness of monthly MassPAC workshop offerings was low (45% not aware), and recommended increased outreach to make those resources usable for families in need.

The committee discussed next steps for implementing recommendations and aligning CPAC goals to district work; members noted the CPAC's input will continue to inform district planning and family outreach.