HISD’s Office of Special Education Services (OSES) held its inaugural Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) on Wednesday afternoon at the Hattie Mae White Educational Service Center.

Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan

The purpose of the committee is aligned to the Office of Special Education Services Framework, including parent advocacy and voice; instruction and support; compliance and monitoring; and professional development. The committee promotes active engagement with parents as partners of OSES with regard to the services provided to students with disabilities.

Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Special Education Services Shannon Verrett said partnering with the parents and community offers the best support for students and campuses. 

“I hold myself accountable for addressing and meeting the individual and specific needs of our students,” Verrett said. “Improving outcomes for students with disabilities can only be accomplished through effective and meaningful partnerships between home, school, and community.”

In support of the committee, campus principals and community partners are joining in the collaborative effort to support students with disabilities. Each committee meeting will focus on parent-driven learning as determined by an OSES Parent Advisory Committee Needs Assessment and feedback segments to proactively address parental concerns.

“We have a lot of work to do,” said HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan told the parents on the committee. “But we will be successful with your help.”

Four additional meetings will be held during the 2018-2019 school year: two in the fall and two in the spring.