1 New Section; District Special Education Parent Advisory Councils. Amend RSA 186-C by inserting after section 3-d the following new section:

186-C:3-e District Special Education Parent Advisory Councils.

I. Each local school district shall establish a district special education parent advisory council (DSEPAC).

II. The council shall be composed of a maximum of 11 parents with at least one member representing each town in the district. The local district shall determine the council size with consideration of the district size. Council members shall be selected through an open application process. The initial council shall be selected by representatives from local parent-teacher organizations. Subsequent council members, including any vacancies, shall be reviewed and voted on by a selection committee composed of current council members and representatives from local parent-teacher organizations. Members shall serve a term of 2 years, with the option for reappointment for one additional consecutive term. The council shall elect a chair, vice chair, and secretary at the first meeting of each school year. The district school board shall be notified of the elected officers. Minutes of each meeting shall be taken and made available to the public.

III. Council meetings shall be open to all parents of students with disabilities, district staff, and all other interested parties. The council shall ensure that meetings are held in accessible locations and provide accommodations as necessary.

IV. The council's duties shall include:

(a) Advising the district on matters relating to the education and safety of students with disabilities.

(b) Meeting at least quarterly with district administration to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of district special education programs.

(c) Providing input on district policies, procedures, and practices related to special education.

(d) Facilitating communication between parents, the school board, and the district administration.

(e) Serving as a resource for parents, including providing information on state and federal rights of students with disabilities.

V. The council shall receive assistance from the administration and school board as needed, subject to the availability of staff and resources. The district shall ensure that the council has adequate resources to fulfill its duties, including access to meeting space, administrative support, and materials necessary for effective communication with parents and the community.

VI. Each school district shall, with the cooperation and participation of the DSEPAC, hold at least one workshop annually to review and answer questions regarding the rights of parents and students with disabilities under state and federal law. The workshop shall include information on the IEP process, dispute resolution options, and resources available to parents.

VII. The DSEPAC shall submit an annual report to the school board by July 1 of each year summarizing its activities, recommendations, and any concerns raised by parents during the year. This report shall be made publicly available on the district website.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect September 1, 2025.

1 New Section; District Special Education Parent Advisory Councils. Amend RSA 186-C by inserting after section 3-d the following new section:

186-C:3-e District Special Education Parent Advisory Councils.

I. Each local school district shall establish a district special education parent advisory council (DSEPAC).

II. The council shall be composed of a maximum of 11 parents with at least one member representing each town in the district. The local district shall determine the council size with consideration of the district size. Council members shall be selected through an open application process. The initial council shall be selected by representatives from local parent-teacher organizations. Subsequent council members, including any vacancies, shall be reviewed and voted on by a selection committee composed of current council members and representatives from local parent-teacher organizations. Members shall serve a term of 2 years, with the option for reappointment for one additional consecutive term. The council shall elect a chair, vice chair, and secretary at the first meeting of each school year. The district school board shall be notified of the elected officers. Minutes of each meeting shall be taken and made available to the public.

III. Council meetings shall be open to all parents of students with disabilities, district staff, and all other interested parties. The council shall ensure that meetings are held in accessible locations and provide accommodations as necessary.

IV. The council's duties shall include:

(a) Advising the district on matters relating to the education and safety of students with disabilities.

(b) Meeting at least quarterly with district administration to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of district special education programs.

(c) Providing input on district policies, procedures, and practices related to special education.

(d) Facilitating communication between parents, the school board, and the district administration.

(e) Serving as a resource for parents, including providing information on state and federal rights of students with disabilities.

V. The council shall receive assistance from the administration and school board as needed, subject to the availability of staff and resources. The district shall ensure that the council has adequate resources to fulfill its duties, including access to meeting space, administrative support, and materials necessary for effective communication with parents and the community.

VI. Each school district shall, with the cooperation and participation of the DSEPAC, hold at least one workshop annually to review and answer questions regarding the rights of parents and students with disabilities under state and federal law. The workshop shall include information on the IEP process, dispute resolution options, and resources available to parents.

VII. The DSEPAC shall submit an annual report to the school board by July 1 of each year summarizing its activities, recommendations, and any concerns raised by parents during the year. This report shall be made publicly available on the district website.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect September 1, 2025.