Abstract: These minutes document the Newton SEPAC Open Board Meeting held virtually on November 12, 2025. Key discussions included updates from SEPAC board members and liaisons, information-sharing related to recent SEPAC and NPS events, ongoing liaison coordination across schools, community engagement and feedback, and planning for upcoming SEPAC programming. Open comments reflected parent experiences, feedback on recent events, and requests for additional training and professional development opportunities. Action items were identified to support continued outreach, coordination, and communication for families.
Date: November 12, 2025
Location: Virtual meeting via Zoom Time: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Facilitator: Sarah Riccardi-Swartz
Notes: Maka Bubashvili
Attendees(16)
SEPAC Board Members
● Sarah Riccardi-Swartz — Chair
● Maka Bubashvili — Secretary
● Sri Sridhar — Treasurer
● Alena Reva — Communications Chair
● Lindsay Klump — Liaison Chair
● Sahar Zaheer — Program Chair
● Jenny Klein-Sosa — Board Emerita
● Eliza Spaulding — Board Emerita
Guests and SEPAC Liaisons
● Chris Callanan — SEPAC Liaison, Mason-Rice
● Jacquelyn Lykken — SEPAC Liaison, Lincoln Eliot / Newton Early Childhood Program
● Jordyne Wu — SEPAC Liaison, Bowen
● Britney Riordan — SEPAC Liaison, Franklin
● Ima Jonsdottir — Co-Chair, Newton Commission on Disability
● Aileen Landau — Guest
● Amy Ricigliano — Guest
● Molly — Guest (joined via phone)
All attendees introduced themselves, noting their roles, involvement in special programs, and length of engagement with SEPAC, fostering a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
Agenda Discussions
● Welcome and Introductions:
The meeting was opened and facilitated by Sarah Riccardi-Swartz (Chair). SEPAC board members, SEPAC liaisons, and guest attendees introduced themselves, sharing their roles, school affiliations, and personal connections to special education. Several participants identified as first-time attendees, while others described their children’s current placements, recent transitions between schools or programs, and involvement in SEPAC-related advocacy. The introductions underscored the diversity of experiences represented and set a collaborative and supportive tone for the meeting.
● Reflections on the SEPAC Meet the Candidates Event:
SEPAC leaders and attendees reflected on the recent SEPAC Meet the Candidates event. Sahar Zaheer (Program Chair), who served as moderator, shared observations about the structure and dynamics of the sessions, noting differences between the two evenings. Participants discussed the value of providing families with direct access to candidates on special education issues, as well as challenges related to balancing fairness, accessibility, and time constraints. Several attendees shared that the event meaningfully informed their understanding of candidates’ positions, with one participant noting that it influenced their voting decisions.
● Community Feedback and Political Sensitivity:
Members discussed community reactions to the Meet the Candidates event, including questions about perceived political sensitivity and the role of SEPAC in facilitating civic engagement. Board members emphasized that the event was designed to center special education priorities and provide families with information, rather than to endorse specific candidates. The importance of maintaining transparency, neutrality, and accessibility in future candidate-focused events was reiterated.
● PTO Communication and Inclusion Language:
Discussion addressed concerns raised by a school PTO regarding language used in a SEPAC-related communication or preamble. Members reviewed the intent and content of the language, emphasizing that it was grounded in inclusion, accessibility, and alignment with district values. Board members noted broader patterns of discomfort or hesitation around special education topics in school communities and discussed the importance of clear, consistent messaging to normalize inclusion-focused language.
● Anti-Ableism Curriculum and District Accountability:
SEPAC members discussed the status of the district’s anti-ableism curriculum, which had been expected to roll out during the fall. Parents reported limited visibility into implementation at the school level. Discussion emphasized the need for clearer timelines, accountability, and communication from the district regarding curriculum adoption and professional development. Members referenced related professional development sessions, including Understanding Our Differences programming, and discussed raising follow-up questions with the Office of Student Services (OSS).
● Inclusive Schools Week and School-Based Initiatives:
○ Sahar Zaheer (Program Chair) shared an example from Countryside Elementary School, where the PTO supported Inclusive Schools Week programming.
○ The initiative included a curated set of activities addressing disability inclusion, international perspectives, and food insecurity.
○ A modest budget supported flexible, teacher-selected activities, allowing classrooms to engage in age-appropriate and meaningful ways.
○ Members discussed the potential for this model to serve as a template for other schools.
● Future SEPAC Programming and Events:
Members discussed upcoming and future SEPAC programming, including:
○ An anticipated December event featuring Congressman Jake Auchincloss, focused on federal changes affecting special education and advocacy pathways.
○ A SEPAC event scheduled for January 21, 2026, titled Understanding Basic Rights.
○ Ideas for spring programming, including sessions on postsecondary transitions, housing, and long-term planning, as well as school-to-school transition support (e.g., middle to high school).
● School Transitions and Ongoing Family Concerns:
Parents raised concerns about transitions between schools and programs, particularly for students moving from middle to high school or entering non-feeder pathways. Participants noted that these transitions can be challenging for families and emphasized the importance of sustained SEPAC attention to transition planning and support.
Open Comment Discussions
● Inclusive Education and Shared Responsibility:
During open comment, participants emphasized that special education and general education are deeply interconnected. One participant noted that what happens in special education impacts general education students and vice versa, underscoring that inclusive public schools benefit all learners. The importance of creating environments where all students are welcomed, supported, and encouraged to learn together was highlighted.
● First-Time Parent Experiences and Accessibility of SEPAC:
Several parents shared reflections on attending a SEPAC meeting for the first time. One participant described the meeting as informative and impactful, noting that it provided clarity and reassurance as a new Newton Public Schools parent. Comments emphasized the value of SEPAC as an accessible entry point for families navigating special education systems for the first time.
● Impact of SEPAC Programming on Civic Engagement:
Participants referenced the recent SEPAC Meet the Candidates event, with one attendee noting that the discussion meaningfully influenced their understanding of candidates’ positions on special education and affected their voting decisions. These comments reinforced the importance of SEPAC-facilitated forums in supporting informed civic participation around special education issues.
● Parent Community Building and Liaison Engagement:
Open comments included appreciation for opportunities that foster connection among families, such as liaison-led gatherings and school-based coffees. Lindsay Klump (Liaison Chair) shared that a liaison coffee for school SEPAC liaisons was scheduled, inviting participants to confirm representation and identify any gaps. The role of these informal gatherings in strengthening communication and collaboration was noted.● Interest in Professional Development and Resources:
Participants expressed interest in additional professional development opportunities related to inclusion and special education. Jordyne Wu specifically mentioned the value of expanding access to Thrive professional development sessions. Comments reflected a broader desire for continued learning opportunities for families, educators, and school communities.
Newton, MA SEPAC 