Prince William County Public Schools

Meeting Agenda Date

September 19, 2023

• 6 p.m., work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

1st monthly meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee 2023-24

• Chair: Tara Aqdas
• Vice Chair: Sallay Banya
• Secretary: Deborah Tekampe

Opening of Meeting

• Tara Aqdas

Call to Order

• Tara Aqdas
• Approval of May Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.
• Per the SEAC Bylaws, citizen time is 15 minutes in duration and each speaker is initially given 3 minutes, although this time may be extended if there is time remaining in the 15 minute period.

Special Education Department

• Topics this month:
  • Special Education Structure/organization
    • PRC Presentation

Guest Presentation

• Future Presentations are in the planning stages

Business

• Old Business:
  • Brief overview of Role of SEAC
• New Business:
  • Introduction to new members:
    • Michael Spironello
    • Christine Waite
  • Subcommittees:
    • Nomination Committee - Assign members for 2023-24
    • SEAC Outreach and Membership Subcommittee - (Shandel, Tara, Debi, Sallay, Jennifer, Michael)
      • Strategies on how to be help parents at Outreach events while staying in our role of SEAC representatives
      • Monthly update of outreach (DIP Conference and Freedom High School)
      • Planning Open House Event with PRC
    • Annual Report Subcommittee - Assign Members for 2023-24

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large - 
• Christine Waite: Brentsville District - 
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District  - 
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - 
• Vacant: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District - 
• David Miles: Potomac District -  
• Sallay Banya: Woodbridge District -
• Michael Spironello: Teacher Representative - 
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative - 
• Kristie Bowie Young: Superintendent Representative -
• Eleanor Contreras: Consultant -
• Vacant: Superintendent Representative - 
• Vacant: Superintendent Representative - 

Closing

• Tara Aqdas

Meeting Agenda Date

May 16, 2023

• 6 p.m., work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

9th monthly meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee 2022-23

• Chair: Katherine Lekbad
• Vice Chair: Tara Aqdas
• Secretary: Deborah Tekampe

Opening of Meeting

• Katherine Lekbad

Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad
• Approval of April Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.
• Per the SEAC Bylaws, citizen time is 15 minutes in duration and each speaker is initially given 3 minutes, although this time may be extended if there is time remaining in the 15 minute period.

Special Education Department

• Topics this month:
  • Updates on PRC
  • DIP Conference

Guest Presentation

• Overview of Translation and Interpretations Services
  • Juan Lizama: Administrative Coordinator of Translation and Interpretation Services - Student Opportunity and Multilingual Services Department

Business

• Old Business:
  • Subcommittees -
    • Nominations Committee -
      • Official Vote
    • Annual Report to the School Board: Katherine, Jamie, Debi, Angela Lello, Jen H
      • Presentation of Report
    • SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Shandel, Tara, Debi, Sallay, Jen. 
      • Monthly update of outreach
  • Monthly report regarding Equitable Budget Taskforce: Jaime Van Echo
• New Business:
  • Tech & IT Issues to consider before SY 23-24 - Lekbad
  • SEAC operations for Officers and Members - Lekbad

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large - 
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District - 
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District  - 
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - 
• Vacant: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District - 
• David Miles: Potomac District -  
• Sallay Banya: Woodbridge District -
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative - 
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative - 
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative - 
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative - 
• Jamie Van Echo: Superintendent Representative -
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant - 
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant - 

Closing

• Katherine Lekbad

• May 16, 2023 , 6 p.m. work sessions for subcommittees
• 7:01 p.m.  Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad

• Katherine Lekbad
• Approval of April minutes
• Motion to approve by Beverly Hicks, seconded by David Miles
• Voted unanimously to approve
• Citizen time : 
  • Yukiko Dove-
    • Parent & special education teacher - volunteers needed for iCan Shine Swim Program.  Acknowledged Jaime’s service and dedication to SEAC. Invited Ms. MacGregor, her principal from Leeslyvania ES, to attend SEAC this evening. 
  • Ms. MacGregor-
    • Spoke on Zoom to SEAC. Her son has special needs and she is the principal with 9 special needs classes.  She is passionate about special education.
  • Kristie Bowie-
    • presented for a parent who is getting older and parent would like to connect with CSB. (Community Service Board) Their child was never offered Employ and wanted to see how she could get those services for her child. 
• 7:14 p.m. - Citizen's time closed

• Topics this month:
  • Updates on PRC
  • Eleanor Contreras hired as Parent Resource and Family Engagement Coordinator
  • DIP Conference June 20 - 21

• Overview of Translation and Interpretation Services-
  • Juan Lizama, Administrative Coordinator of Translation and Interpretation Services - Student Opportunity and Multilingual Services Department
    • Job is to bridge the communication gap
    • 165 languages represented in PWCS 22 – 23
    • 10^th most diverse county in the nation
    • We identified 9 languages we are required to provide translation for in the county. Spanish is the largest portion and they have a diverse linguistic background.
    • Top 2 countries of origin for EL Students
    • El Salvador 2. Afghanistan
    • Required to provide interpretation and translation services free of charge to families.
    • Interpreters must be qualified or certified interpreters (children are not qualified interpreters)
    • If parents are not provided an interpreter, they can request it by phone, in person, or for meetings
    • Translation (written) vs interpretation (spoken)
    • Resources available on Launchpad

• Subcommittees -
  • Nomination Committee-
    • Official Vote
    • Chair – Tara Aqdas
    • Vice Chair – Sallay Banya
    • Secretary – Debi Tekampe
    • Motion to approve the nomination slate by Jennifer Andrews, Seconded by Shandel Lohr. Voted Unanimously to approve the slate
  • Annual Report to the School Board (Katherine, Jamie, Debi, Angela Lello, Jen H, Tara)
    • Presentation of Report
  • SEAC Outreach and Membership Subcommittee (Shandel, Tara, Debi, Sallay, Jen)
    • Monthly update on outreach
    • Will be participating in DIP Conference
    • Participated in International Night at Leeslyvania EL
• Monthly report regarding Equitable Budget Taskforce: Jaime Van Echo
• Meeting next Thursday and presenting the comments from April from SEAC
• Annual Report to the School Board (Katherine, Jamie, Debi, Angela Lello, Jen H, Tara)

Presentation of Report – The committee discussed the items written in the report at great length.  After coming to a group consensus on the Recommendation and Progress section of the report we moved to a discussion on the Final Comments by the Chair.  A vote was taken to decide if the Final Comments by the Chair should be a cover letter to the School Board or kept in the report to be published publicly. 

The vote was 5 to 4 (with one member abstaining) to have the Final Comments removed from the report and send the Final Comments as a cover letter

• Shandel Lohr, At-Large: remove
• Beverly Hicks, Brentsville District: remove
• Jennifer Howarth Mira, Coles District: keep
• Deborah Tekampe, Gainesville District: keep
• VACANT, Neabsco District:
• Angela Lello, Occoquan District: absent
• David Miles, Potomac District: remove
• Sallay Banya, Woodbridge District: remove
• Katherine Lekbad, Teacher Representative: abstain
• Jennifer Andrew, Superintendent Representative: keep
• Tara Aqdas, Superintendent Representative: keep
• Darianella Baret, Superintendent Representative: absent
• Jaime Van Echo, Superintendent Representative: remove

The committee next voted on if we should send the report to the School Board.

 The vote was 8 yes and 2 abstain

• Shandel Lohr, At-Large: Yes
• Beverly Hicks, Brentsville District: Yes
• Jennifer Howarth Mira, Coles District: Yes
• Deborah Tekampe, Gainesville District: Yes
• VACANT, Neabsco District:
• Angela Lello, Occoquan District: Absent
• David Miles, Potomac District: Yes
• Sallay Banya, Woodbridge District: Yes
• Katherine Lekbad, Teacher Representative: Abstain
• Jennifer Andrew, Superintendent Representative: Yes
• Tara Aqdas, Superintendent Representative: Yes
• Darianella Baret, Superintendent Representative: Absent

• Tech & IT Issues to consider before SY 23-24 - Lekbad
• SEAC Operations for Officers and Members – Lekbad

• Shandel Lohr, At-Large - Yield
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District - Spoke with Ms. Jackson and helped to find a replacement for her seat on SEAC.
• Jennifer Howarth Mira, Coles District - Yield
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - Yield
• VACANT: Neabsco District:
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District - Absent
• David Miles, Potomac District - Yield
• Sallay Banya, Woodbridge District - Yield
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative - Please look for the two new documents in the new business that we did not have time to review during the meeting.
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative - Yield
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative - Yield
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative - Absent 
• Jaime Van Echo, Superintendent Representative - Appreciate the time she was able to serve on SEAC.  Remember to focus on the regulations and state laws regarding SEAC.  
• Rhonda Tabor, Consultant - Absent
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant - Looking for facilitators to work at Independence Empowerment.

• Katherine Lekbad
• Motion to close the meeting by Tara Aqdas
• Seconded by Debi Tekampe
• Meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m.

Meeting Agenda Date

April 18, 2023

• 6 p.m., work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

8th monthly meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee 2022-23

• Chair: Katherine Lekbad
• Vice Chair: Tara Aqdas
• Secretary: Deborah Tekampe

Opening of Meeting

• Katherine Lekbad

Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad
• Approval of March Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.
• Per the SEAC Bylaws, citizen time is 15 minutes in duration and each speaker is initially given 3 minutes, although this time may be extended if there is time remaining in the 15 minute period.

Special Education Department

• Topics this month:
  • Announcements:
    • Dr. Hopkins has retired.
    • Dr. Wendy Martin-Johnson is filling in right now to help out.
  • Review Annual Plan for SED
  • Temporary Assistants for Special Education classrooms contracted:
    • Impact on one-on-ones.
    • Difference between a temporary assistant and a permanent position - pros and cons.
  • Updates: 
    • What is going on with PRC

Business

• Old Business:
  • Subcommittees -
    • Nominations Committee -
      • Nominations - any more
      • Vote
    • Annual Report to the School Board (Katherine, Jamie)-
      • Status of Report
    • SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Shandel, Tara, Debi, Sallay, Jen. 
      • Monthly update of outreach
      • Updated on SEAC flyer
        • QR Code
  • Monthly report regarding Equitable Budget Taskforce: Jaime Van Echo
• New Business:
  • Call for new business

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large - 
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District - 
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District  - 
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - 
• Vacant: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District - 
• David Miles: Potomac District -  
• Sallay Banya: Woodbridge District -
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative - 
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative - 
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative - 
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative - 
• Jamie Van Echo: Superintendent Representative -
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant - 
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant - 

Closing

• Katherine Lekbad

• April 18, 2023 , 6 p.m. work sessions for subcommittees
• 7:02 p.m.  Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad

• Katherine Lekbad
• Approval of March minutes
• Jaime Van Echo called for a motion to approve minutes and Tara seconded the motion.
• Minutes approved unanimously
• Citizen time : 
  • Robert Buckley – Students who are identified in high school with autism, how do they get included in the special education program. Students have issues with other languages.
  • Anonymous Teacher - Submitting a letter for Debi Tekampe to read. The letter will be attached to the meeting.  The teacher has concerns about students harming students’ teachers and no help for teachers. 
  • Yuko – Parent and special education teacher Hosting I can Swim program at Colgan. Registration just opened today. Would like the county to support I can Swim program.  Would like the county to have summer programs for special needs programs.  As a teacher, advocate for ESY teacher pay to be higher. TA in PWCS get less hourly rate in the summer $16 and in FCPS get $27 per hour for TA.  Multicultural night at Leesylvania and would like SEAC to attend.
  • Amanda Locklear – Request a document for a frequently asked questions for special needs for PWCS.
  • Dr. McDade – Extending gratitude and thanks. Celebrating the budget investment in Special Education and keeping the investment in the future.  Make sure the strategic plan is driving our budget.  Proud of the work we are doing and still more to do.
  • Citizen Time Closed: 7:29 p.m.

• Topics this month:
  • Announcements:
    • Dr. Hopkins has retired.
    • Dr. Wendy Martin Johnson is filling in right now to help out.
  • Overview for PWCS  This is going to the school board
    • Total overall budget - 17,276,671.00
    • And preschool budget is an additional 389,187.00
  • Question - Is there additional funding to support ESY and COVID recovery?
  • Temporary Assistants for Special Education classrooms contracted:
    • Almost all the new TA positions were staffed
  • Update:
    • What is going on with PRC: It is still in the process of hiring. The position has been expanded in scope (Administrative Coordinator)

• Subcommittees:
  • Nominations Committee-
    • Nominations - We submit nominations today and next month, in May we vote
      • Chair - Tara Aqdas
      • Vice Chair - Sallay Banya
      • Secretary - Debi Tekampe
  • Annual Report to the School Board : Katherine, Jaime, Debi, Angela Lello, Jen H, Tara
    • Status of report
    • Reviewed the current progress of the report
    • Eleven recommendations to PWCS Board
    • Discussed how the report gets presented to the School Board
    • Come back in May to finalize the report
  • SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Shandel, Tara, Debi, Sallay, Jen
    • Monthly update of outreach
    • Multicultural night upcoming
    • DIP Conference
    • Update on SEAC flyer
• Monthly report regarding Equitable Budget Task Force: Jaime Van Echo
• Feedback given on the draft recommendations
• SEAC wanted to know why Special Education is NOT a bigger part of the document

Stepping Down Next Year from:

• Beverly Hicks, Jennifer Andrews, Darianella Baret, Jaime Van Echo and Katherine Lekbad
• Therefore there will be 6 vacancies for next year

New Business:

• Call for new business
• How can we support teachers who are facing aggressive behaviors in the classroom

• Shandel Lohr, At-Large - Yield
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District - Absent
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District - Yield
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - Yield
• VACANT: Neabsco District:
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District - Yield
• David Miles : Potomac District - Yield
• Sallay Banya : Woodbridge District - Absent
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative - Yield
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative - Alice's Kids Organization
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative - Dr. Williams is working on a new support group for students
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative - Absent 
• Jaime Van Echo, Superintendent Representative - FAQ sheet is in the parent packet given at IEP meetings
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant - Special Education Teacher of the Year
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant: Absent

• Katherine Lekbad
• Tara Aqdas motioned to end the meeting
• David Miles seconded the motion
• Meeting ended at 9:02 p.m.

Meeting Agenda Date

March 21, 2023

• 6 p.m., work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

7th monthly meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee 2022-23

• Chair: Katherine Lekbad
• Vice Chair: Tara Aqdas
• Secretary: Deborah Tekampe

Opening of Meeting

• Katherine Lekbad

Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad
• Approval of February Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comments. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents, and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.
• Per the SEAC Bylaws, citizen time is 15 minutes in duration and each speaker is initially given 3 minutes, although this time may be extended if there is time remaining in the 15-minute period.

Special Education Department

• Topics this month:
  • Review of Annual Plan
  • Updates
    • Transition Fair
    • What is going on with PRC

Business

• Old Business:
  • Subcommittees -
    • Nominations Committee - Nominations are due this month
    • Annual Report to the School Board (Katherine, Jamie) Solicit more members, plan for report
    • SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Shandel, Tara, Debi, Sallay, Jen. 
      • Monthly update of outreach
      • Updated on SEAC flyer
        • Arabic version requested - can we use School Status?
  • Monthly report regarding Equitable Budget Taskforce: Jaime Van Echo
• New Business:
  • Call for new business

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large - 
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District - 
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District  - 
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - 
• VACANT: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District - 
• David Miles: Potomac District -  
• Sallay Banya: Woodbridge District -
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative - 
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative - 
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative - 
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative - 
• Jamie Van Echo: Superintendent Representative -
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant - 
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant - 

Closing

• Katherine Lekbad

• March 21, 2023, 6 p.m. work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m.  Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad

• Katherine Lekbad at 7:04 p.m.
• Approval of February minutes
• Motion to approve the minutes by Tara Aqdas, seconded by Sallay Banya Tekampe
• Citizen time :
  • Robert Buckley – Occoquan District - Has attended the meetings in the past on Zoom. Attended Parents as Partners and thought it was very good. Suggestion that we need more non-traditional school options within the county, especially for high schoolers with anxiety.
• 7:11 p.m. - Citizen's time closed

• Topics this month:
  • Review of Annual Plan- Strategic Investments
    • Additional Positions Supporting Special Ed
      • 75 additional Teacher Assistants for Level 2 classes
      • 1 position for Transition to a Thriving Future teacher
      • 2 Special Education Department Supervisors
    • Additions to Budget Markup
      • Unified Sports Supplements - 2 per high school
      • Stipend for Special ED/IEP Case Management
  • Updates
    • Transition Fair - 34 vendors, 17 presentations, and about 450 attendees 95% of surveys of the attendees rated the transition fair as good or excellent
    • What is going on with PRC - still in process

• Old Business:
  • Subcommittees 
    • Nomination Committee - The committee met and is going to present the slate of officers to SEAC in April
      • Current Nominations:
        • Chair: Tara Aqdas
        • Vice Chair: Sallay Banya
        • Secretary: Debi Tekampe
  • Annual Report to the School Board (Katherine, Jamie) - Solicit more members, plan for report - Jennifer Howarth and Angela Lello joined the committee.
  • SEAC Outreach and Membership (Shandel, Tara, Debi, Sallay, Jen)
    • Monthly update of outreach- Attended Transition Fair and it was very successful and it was well attended.
    • Update of SEAC flier:
      • Multiple languages requested - waiting for approval, could we use SchoolStatus since it is a tool the county already purchased or use QR Codes?
  • Monthly Report regarding Equitable Budget Taskforce (Jamie an Echo) - February meeting canceled
  • New Business:
    • Call for new business

• Shandel Lohr, At-Large - The Commonwealth will be recertifying for SNAP benefits, need to make sure the address is correct - Go to Virginia CommonHelp 
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District - Yield
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District - Yield
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - World Downs Celebrated throughout the county
• VACANT: Neabsco District:
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District F- Starting April 1, Medicaid is reevaluating everyone - Cover Virginia
• David Miles: Potomac District - Absent
• Sallay Banya: Woodbridge District - Yield
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative - Will be stepping down next year due to family issues
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative - Yield
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative - Schools need to be open to parents of special education volunteering
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative - Yield 
• Jaime Van Echo: Superintendent Representative - Absent but sent information: 
  • Participated in parents as partners.
  • Took a course on Trauma-informed care in schools and Medicaid. Many parents report stress and anxiety related to attending these meetings.  For families who have experienced trauma, the stress may become overwhelming. By being thoughtful about stressors, IEP meetings can become less stressful for all who attend and work towards being responsive to families who have experienced trauma.
  • Lastly, I attended the Colgan Principal's advisory committee meeting. The counseling team discussed how best to use MTSS to support the social and mental well-being of all students including those with disabilities. 
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant - Absent
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant - Absent

• Tara Aqdas
• Shandel Lohr seconds the motion 8:02 p.m.

Meeting Agenda Date

February 21, 2023

• 6 p.m., work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

6th monthly meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee 2022-23

• Chair: Katherine Lekbad
• Vice Chair: Tara Aqdas
• Secretary: Deborah Tekampe

Opening of Meeting

• Katherine Lekbad

Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad
• Approval of January Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.
• Per the SEAC Bylaws, citizen time is 15 minutes in duration and each speaker is initially given 3 minutes, although this time may be extended if there is time remaining in the 15 minute period.

Special Education Department

• Topics this month:
  • Introduction of new director - Dr. Aimee Holleb, Director, Specialized Instruction
  • VDOE Inclusive Practices Self-Assessment
  • SED staff vacancies by cluster
  • Updates:
    • PRC

Business

• Old Business:
  • Subcommittees -
    • SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Shandel, Tara, Debi, Sallay, Jen. 
      • SY 22-23 updated plan to be shared and motion to approve
      • Updated on SEAC flyer
        • Multilanguage flyer
        • Will need the updated flyer copied to present at upcoming events
  • Monthly report regarding Equitable Budget Taskforce: Jaime Van Echo
  • Discuss regulatory role of SEAC
• New Business:
  • Call for new business

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large - 
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District - 
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District  - 
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - 
• VACANT: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District - 
• David Miles: Potomac District -  
• Sallay Banya: Woodbridge District -
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative - 
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative - 
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative - 
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative - 
• Jamie Van Echo: Superintendent Representative -
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant - 
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant - 

Closing

• Katherine Lekbad

• February 21, 2023 , 6 p.m. work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m.  Call to Order

• Tara Aqdas

• Tara Aqdas at 7:01 p.m.
• Approval of January minutes
• Motion to approve the minutes by Tara Aqdas, seconded by Debi Tekampe
• Citizen time :
  • Amanda Locklear – Attending via zoom and stated this set up for zoom is very good.  The scholarship open enrollment starts in February for the FOLD of Honor.  Kindergarten – college.  This is for tutoring, private school, or college.
• 7:08 p.m. - Citizen's time closed

• Topics this month:
  • Introduction of new director - Dr. Aimee Holleb, Director, Specialized Instruction
    • Started as a special education teacher, assistant principal, and then 2 different principal positions  Served in facilities planning in between principal positions Most recently a principal.  Also, a parent of a child with special needs.  Excited to be working in Prince William
  • VDOE Inclusive Practices Self-Assessment
    • All schools in PW completed this self-assessment. Over 100 items on the self-assessment.  In general, schools feel inclusiveness is important.  Opportunity to grow in training teachers’ skill sets. The fastest growing population is dually identified students (special education and ESOL).  The least restrictive environment is very important for students.
• • SED staff Vacancies by cluster
    • We don’t pull such data
    • SEAC members concerned if openings are in one area
    • Concern that the data will not be truly reflective of what is happening in the county
  • Updates
    • PRC
    • Administrator Level position
    • In the process of hiring this for this position

• Old Business:
  • Subcommittees 
    • SEAC outreach and Membership Subcommittee: Shandel, Tara, Debi, Sallay, Jen
      • SY 22-23 updated plan to be shared and motion to approve- determined that we do not need a motion for this update
      • Discussed an update on the outreach subcommittee and this documentation can be found on Google Drive
      • Update on SEAC flyer
        • Multilanguage flyer
        • Will need the updated flyer copied to present at upcoming events
        • This flyer has been submitted for approval to the county and will update next meeting
  • Monthly report regarding Equitable Budget taskforce: Jaime Van Echo - met on January 30 and brought up unified sports because not all high schools have unified P.E. classes. Also recommended a line item for budgets to include clubs for people with and without disabilities. This is the 2024 budget cycle
  • Are we considering programs like "I can Shine" "I Can Swim" "I Can Bike" or Keene.
    • Answer: This not a budgeting issue, it's a school-based decision
  • Discuss the regulatory role of SEAC
    • VDOE SEAC Guide  
    • Our annual plan is coming up for review
  • New Business:
    • Call for new business

• Shandel Lohr, At-Large - Parents have IEP questions about the spot on the IEP that asks for extracurricular activities yes or no. Not sure what it means.
  • Answer: if participating through regular means (they make the team through tryouts), do they need accommodations for access
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District - Yield
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District - Yield
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - Yield
• VACANT: Neabsco District:
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District - Excused
• David Miles: Potomac District - Absent
• Sallay Banya: Woodbridge District - Attended the SEAC Training and looking for to attending Parents and Partners
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative - Excused
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative - Excused
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative -
  • Wants to see if we can get the "I Bike" program started.
  • Wants to get special education higher pay. Would start a program to honor special education teachers
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative - Absent 
• Jaime Van Echo: Superintendent Representative - 
  • SEPTA update
  • Attended the unified basketball tournament at Gainesville HS and several board members were there and special education staff were there. They learned the benefits of unified sports being offered at all schools
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant - Parents as Partners is coming up this Saturday. Over 150 people signed up so far
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant - Absent

• Tara Aqdas
• Shandel Lohr seconds the motion 8:02 p.m.

Meeting Agenda Date

January 17, 2023

• 6 p.m., Work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

5th monthly meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee 2022-23

• Chair: Katherine Lekbad
• Vice Chair: Tara Aqdas
• Secretary: Deborah Tekampe

Opening of Meeting

• Katherine Lekbad

Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad
• Approval of October Minutes
• Approval of November Minutes
• Approval of December Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.
• Per the SEAC Bylaws, citizen time is 15 minutes in duration and each speaker is initially given 3 minutes, although this time may be extended if there is time remaining in the 15 minute period.

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michele Hopkins
• Topics this month:
  • Social clubs on eastern end of the county
    • Presentation/information about Fin Friends and discussions on how to replicate it - Dr. Parrish
  • Superintendent's Memo #267-22  Special Education Training for License Renewal effective January 1, 2023.
  • Multi-Tiered Systems of Support - Dr. Barker
  • Updates:
    • PRC

Business

• Old Business:
  • Subcommittees -
    • Nominating Subcommittee: Angela, Sara, Jamie. Reminder nominations need to be determined by March 2023
    • SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Beverly, Shandel, Tara, Debi. 
      • SY 2022-23 plan
      • Updated flyer
      • Confirm sign ups for events
  • Monthly report regarding Equitable Budget Taskforce: Jaime Van Echo
• New Business:
  • Call for new business

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large - 
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District - 
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District  - 
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - 
• VACANT: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District - 
• David Miles: Potomac District -  
• VACANT: Woodbridge District -
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative - 
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative - 
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative - 
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative - 
• Jamie Van Echo: Superintendent Representative -
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant - 
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant - 

Closing

• Katherine Lekbad

• January 17, 2023 , 6 p.m. work sessions for subcommittees
• 7:03 p.m.  Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad

• Katherine Lekbad
• Approval of October minutes
• Approval of November minutes
• Approval of December minutes
• Motion to approve October minutes as edited by Beverly Hicks, seconded by Jennifer Howarth Mira. Motion approved
• Motion to approve the November Minutes with edits Deborah Tekampe, seconded by Beverly Hicks. Motion Approved.
• Motion to approve the December Minutes with edits Beverly Hicks, seconded by Sallay Banay. Motion Approved.
• Citizen time : Started at 7:21 p.m.
  • 7:23 p.m. - Citizen's time closed

• Dr. Parrish - Colgan SPED
  • Fin Fiends
  • Active dynamic club - current, alumni
  • Lots of different activities
  • They offer others to replicate their program with other schools
  • Start, go, do things (Don't get stuck in the planning)
  • Questions- How does the budgeting work?
  • Budget from generous donation
  • Not funded by the county
  • Question - Can students attend after they turn 22 and graduate high school - YES
  • Contact Information
    • Email: parrishdw@pwcs.edu 
    • Twitter account: @ColganFin - 920 Followers
    • Facebook: Colgan FIN Friends - 200 members
    • Zoom Link
• Topics this month:
  • Social clubs on eastern end of the county
    • Presentation/information about Fin Friends and discussions on how to replicate it - Dr. Parrish
  • Superintendent's Memo #267-22 - Special Education Training License Renewal effective January 1, 2023
  • Multi-Tiered Systems of Support - Dr. Barker
    • Visit the MTSS page for details 
    • Tier 1 - Primarily Level of Prevention - Instruction/core curriculum - 80% of students
    • Tier 2 - Secondary Level of Prevention - Intervention - 15% of students
    • Tier 3 - Tertiary Level of Prevention - Intensive - 5% of students
    • Question - Is tier 3 specific for SPED students? - MTSS is designed for all students
    • Question - Would the IEP team invite MTSS to the meetings? - the framework is currently in development
    • Question - Twice Exceptional Students
    • Question - When will full implementation of MTSS be throughout the county? 2024 - 25 with 23 Coaches
    • Make sure this does not fall onto the SPED teachers
  • Updates
    • Dr. Aimee Holleb from Key in Fairfax County Director of Special Education - Specialized Instruction - Starting Feb 1st

• Old Business
  • Subcommittees -
    • Nominations Committee: Angela, Jaime - Reminder nominations need to be determined by April 2023 - Will vote as an agenda item in May
    • SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Shandel, Tara, Debi, Sallay, Jennifer Mira
      • SY 22-23 updated plan to be shared and motion to approve
      • We will need the updated flier copied to present at upcoming events
      • Confirm sign-ups for events
      • Parent as Partners
  • Monthly report regarding Equitable Budget Taskforce: Jaime Van Echo - No meeting this month
• New Business:
  • Discuss SEAC regulatory role in February
  • Call for new business
    • Motion- In the future all minutes to be taken in more concise summary format. This would include no direct quotations outside of member time or citizen time
      • Moved by Chair and seconded by David - Motion passed
    • Motion - SEAC will include in its 2022-2023 annual report to the School Board the recommendation that a budget line item for each school in the district to have money for sponsorship of inclusive clubs.
      • Moved by Chair, seconded by Beverly - Motion passed
  • Teacher Retention: teacher Pay Scale - gap in the difference for SPED Teacher. Another county offers an additional step. Might be other issues to retain SPED Teachers. How can we advocate to the board
  • Follow up with SED for possible presentation on teacher retention

• Shandel Lohr, At-Large - yield
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District - yield
• Jennifer Howarth Mira, Coles District - yield
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - yield
• VACANT: Neabsco District -
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District - via zoom yield
• David Miles, Potomac District - yield
• Sallay Banya: Woodbridge District - yield
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative - yield
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative - yield
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative - yield
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative - via zoom yield 
• Jaime Van Echo, Superintendent Representative - yield
• Rhonda Tabor, Consultant - yield
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant - via zoom 504 discussions

• Katherine Lekbad - 9:07 p.m.

Meeting Agenda Date

• December 13, 2022 - 6 p.m., work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

4th monthly meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee 2022 - 2023

• Chair: Katherine Lekbad
• Vice Chair: Tara Aqdas
• Secretary: Deborah Tekampe

Opening of Meeting

• Katherine Lekbad

Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad
• Approval of October Minutes
• Approval of November Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michele Hopkins
• Topics this month:
  • SED representation on the Site Based Steering Committee - Dr. Barker will provide an overview of the site based steering committee
  • How are SE programs locations in the district determined
  • HR Staffing
  • Updates
    • PRC
    • Project Search - Did DARS agree?

Business

• Old Business:
  • Subcommittees -
    • SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Shandel, Tara, Debi.
      • Solicitation of volunteers for Open House
      • PTA meeting / Principal's Advisory
      • Sign up members for functions in the community
  • Monthly report regarding Equitable Budget Taskforce: Jaime Van Echo
  • Motions from September meeting - follow up
  • Announce appointment of new member to SEAC
• New Business:
  • The role of SEAC
  • Call for new business

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District
• Vacant: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District
• David Miles: Potomac District
• Vacant: Woodbridge District
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative
• Jamie Van Echo: Superintendent Representative
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant

Closing

• Katherine Lekbad

The SEAC is organized and functions in accordance with state and federal requirements. The Committee's functions include the following: monthly meetings with the Director of the Special Education Department; determining needs of children with disabilities within the county; developing priorities and strategies for meeting identified needs of children with disabilities; preparing and submitting an annual report to the Prince William County School Board.

• December 13, 2022 , 6 p.m. work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m.  Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad opened meeting at 7:04 p.m.

• Katherine Lekbad welcome
• Approval of October minutes
• Move to table the minutes for October and November until January by Jaime Van Echo seconded by Deborah Tekampe.
• Voted unanimously
• Citizen time started at 7:09 pm.
  • Citizens are usually given 3 minutes with discretion given to the committee. First 15 minutes of the meeting and other citizen time is at the end of the meeting 
  • Kathleen Gallagher- President of SPETA -
    • Asked to speak later in the meeting during New Business
  • Amanda Locklear - Gainesville District –
    • Increase to an hour and a half from an hour for COR Team
    • Inform parents whom to contact if questions after meeting
    • Allow parents to record the COR Team
    • What happens after the recommendations are given? Is there a meeting or a call to go over the findings?
  • Elisabeth Sipe-Card – Coles District
    • Son spoke in front of the school board last week
    • Deaf and hard-of-hearing students
    • Need CLTs and sign language interpreters
    • Queuing speech – need to 2 CLTs
    • He gave solution options for solving the problems of not having enough CLTs
• Close citizen's time at 7:22 p.m.

• Dr. Michele Hopkins
• Topics this month:
  • Site Based Steering Committee, HR Process and Updates
  • SED representation on the Site Based Steering Committee -Dr. Barker will provide an overview of the site-based steering committee
  • Dr Reyher is representing special education on the committee
  • Overall purpose is for the working committee to make recommendations to the steering committee
  • Darianella Baret is representing SEAC on the committee
  • Lots of voices and representation on the committee
  • It has been a long time since site-based management has been reviewed
  • Question – Jaime Van Echo site-based management has been brought up over the years at SEAC. How can SEAC help with the process?
    • Dr. Reyher – needs to get further along in the process and bring concerns to Darianella at this time
  • Question - How are SE programs locations in the district determined –
    • Look at the child’s neighborhood school whenever possible
    • Based on the number of students in the program, what is the closest location
    • Projecting now for the next school year
    • Space in a building is being considered, and if possible, double up on programs for teacher collaboration
  • HR Staffing Process
  • College program enrollment dropped 32% in a 9-year period in Virginia, specifically in special education.  19% of college students who enrolled in education did not graduate in education.  Special Education Teachers are on the critical list.  PWC speaks with JMU students every year and Radford.  We have a pipeline for those college students. GMU is the most comprehensive program that PWC works with currently. 
  • Staffing Challenges
  • TAs to Teachers – This program is through GMU right now. The course is $1700 and the book is an additional $100.  The cost was a major reason TAs could not participate in this program.  After completing the course, participants are eligible to apply for a provisional license.   The county pays for 25 seats yearly.
  • 55 teachers hired through this program. 34 were TA’s and 11 substitutes and 5 teachers switched to Special Ed and 2 Admin Assistants
  • Continue to pay tuition. And pay 50% of their tuition throughout the Masters’ Program
  • TPOTA - Teaching Professional on Temporary Assignment
  • Have you tracked the teachers with excitement? We got them, but how do we keep them? – Research shows that TA will stay longer than the 5-year average.  The county tracks teachers in their first year at two different times.
  • Who’s budget does this fall into? Right now, it is HR 
  • How long do the candidates stay? They are required to work 2 years or pay back the tuition
  • Number of current vacancies within the county. We need to advocate to the state as well.  Reyher – sometimes there are vacancies, but the county uses contracted services.
  • What do you do with teachers who are struggling? We are sending out the coordinators from central office.
  • Does special education look at why certain schools have high turnover?
  • Can we look at the vacancies by the school and discuss questions of equity - This is something not currently analyzed by the county
  • Job Fairs – Increased to 7 in-person job fairs here and PWCS attends 100 job fairs throughout the county
  • Tuition Reimbursement for all teachers and Tas - $800 per year
  • Bus Tours – The recruitment team will take them on tours of schools in December
  • Updates:
    • PRC – It is a full time position at the coordinator role
    • Project Search - Did DARS agree? – Yes They agreed to replicate the program! 

• Old Business:
  • • Subcommittees - Confirm committees, committee membership, business/timelines
      • SEAC Outreach and Membership Subcommittee (Shandel, Tara, Debi)
        • Solicitation of volunteers for Open House with SEPTA – Tara Aqdas and Jaime Van Echo will volunteer with Katherine Lekbad
        • PTA meetings/Principal’s Advisory
        • Tara attended a Principal’s Advisory
        • Sign up members for functions in the community
        • Parents as Partners – February 25^th
        • Shandel Lohr & Katherine Lekbad PM
        • Tara Aqdas – all day
        • Transition Fair – March 11^th
        • Tara Aqdas and Shandel Lohr
        • Circle of support
        • Differentiated Instruction Program – June
    • Monthly report regarding Equitable Budget Taskforce: Jaime Van Echo – Learning the budget manual.  Pointing out funding needs and their needs to funding lines (adaptive coaches, etc.) Universal equity by adding funding lines.   They changed the format so that equity concerns could be addressed
    • Motions from September meeting - follow-up – if you have a new motion please ask for a form so the minutes will be clear
    • Announce the appointment of a new member to SEAC – Sallay Banya, Woodbridge District
• New Business:
  • SEPTA
  • Katelyn Gallagher new President of SEPTA
  • All new board of SEPTA the goal is to grow SEPTA by three times. Would like a liaison from SEPTA to SEAC. Working on projects, including valentines to teachers, would love to have a gala this year, awards ceremony. Just had a party last week. Want to build up with committees, especially advocacy.
  • Discuss the role of SEAC:
    • It is to determine the needs of special needs students within the county
    • We develop strategies for meeting those needs
    • We submit an annual report to the School Board
    • Have a conversation about our relationship with the School Board
  • SEAC does not do the how or the when… but we provide the what and the where and who
  • We should have a partnership and continue our partnership. Data is important and we need to be data-driven. Issues should focus on global issues, not specific issues.  We need to do more outreach and tell about citizen time.  Also, look to the special ed department for recommendations.
  • The DD 3
  • Beverly – How competitive are we in recruiting in comparison to other surrounding counties
  • Work to make PWCS the district people want to work in
  • Data lays the foundation for discussions

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large - Present - 
• How do we roll out our motions? Look back at the annual report to make sure we are doing what we said. We should plot trends in concerns in during member times.  How did we meet and advise for the better of the students? 
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District - Absent
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District - Present - Yields
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - Transportation Concerns & Respite night offered by special ed teachers
• VACANT: Neabsco District:
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District - Present - Agree with Shandel on referring back to our report from last year, transportation concerns, and long-term vacancies.  
• David Miles, Potomac District: Like the pipeline to help with shortages and looking for training opportunities
• Sallay Banya: Woodbridge District - New Member - Present - need competitive benefits/environment for special education teachers in this county
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative - Present - Yields
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative - Present - 
• Fairfax county is scaling up a new behavior approach, Ukeru (The Low Arousal Approach). It is used at the Grafton School.  It will be interesting to see if it can be scaled in Fairfax.
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative - Present - Yields
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative - Present -  Introduced herself as a parent of a child with special needs and an ESOL teacher
• Jaime Van Echo, Superintendent Representative - Present - Working with Delegate - Interstate Compact and SEPTA event this weekend
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant - Present - Forest Park had their Polar Express and they did a fantastic job!
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant: Present - She is a disability advocate IL (Independent Living) Day January 18^th. Invite School Board members to come to our meetings or set up a meeting with your school board member

• Katherine Lekbad - Asked for a motion to close the meeting
• Motion to close meeting made by Sallay Banya, seconded by Jennifer Andrew
• Meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.

Meeting Agenda Date

• November 15, 2022 - 6 p.m., work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

3rd monthly meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee 2022 - 2023

• Chair: Katherine Lekbad
• Vice Chair: Tara Aqdas
• Secretary: Deborah Tekampe

Opening of Meeting

• Katherine Lekbad

Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad
• Approval of October Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michele Hopkins
• Topics this month:
  • Transition Services
  • PRC Update
  • 504 focus group update - Who will be heading this initiative
  • Assessments used to identify students that need special education or 504 services - Can SEAC members see those, please
  • Timeframe of replicating Project Search

Business

•  Subcommittees:
  • SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Shandel, Tara, Debi - Discussion of open house with SEPTA, PEATC(?)
  • Identification of the continuum of support for parents
• Monthly report regarding Equitable Budget Taskforce: Jamie Van Echo
• Motions from September meeting - Follow-Up
• Pending appointments of new members to SEAC

• Attending PTA meetings at schools
• SEAC members attending functions in community
  • Do we have a list of functions
  • Begin to assign members to go
  • Items for SEAC table
• Lobbying / Contacting public officials

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District
• Vacant: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District
• David Miles: Potomac District
• Vacant: Woodbridge District
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative
• Jamie Van Echo: Superintendent Representative
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant

Closing

• Katherine Lekbad

The SEAC is organized and functions in accordance with state and federal requirements. The Committee's functions include the following: monthly meetings with the Director of the Special Education Department; determining needs of children with disabilities within the county; developing priorities and strategies for meeting identified needs of children with disabilities; preparing and submitting an annual report to the Prince William County School Board.

• November 15, 2022 , 6 p.m. work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m.  Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad

• Katherine Lekbad
• October minutes not available at the time of the meeting. Approval of these minutes postponed.
• Citizen time : Beginning not recorded
  • Rhonda - Son played unified basketball and parent would like to see this to be expanded to the rest of the district.
• 7:06 p.m. - Citizen's time closed
• Citizen time opened again by Katherine at 7:11 to allow another parent to speak Amanda Locklear - Reported several issues and problems with compliance,  meeting legally required deadlines, compensatory times, testing, lack of follow up  and resolution. Required if there is a protocol for compensatory times.
• 7:30 p.m. - Citizen time closed.

• Dr. Michele M. Hopkins
• Topics this month:
  • Transition Services - David Williams
    • IEP team should identify interest, value, and needs, this can come from record review
    • Write goals for employment training
    • Look at courses to support post secondary life
    • Document what team is doing to support student and work with  agencies such as DARS
    • Has monthly meetings with agencies to discuss needs
    • Transition plan should be a multi-year plan
    • Discussion between SEAC members, David, and SED staff regarding existing transition services, how we know students get this service, some students are doing repetitive and basically useless tasks in Employ (putting caps back on pens repetitively), community based  instruction, for more severe students this program is not translating to real world benefit or change in their post secondary life
    • Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolate - mother of child with autism opened the store - Yukiko shared this info
  • PRC Update
    • posting the position soon, holding interviews
  • 504 focus group update - TBD
    • Baker to follow up
    • Assessments used to identify students that need special education or 504 services - can SEAC members see those, please
  • Timeframe of replicating Project Search - DARS has to agree to expand the program

• Old Business:
  • Subcommittees - Confirm committees, committee membership, business/timelines
    • SEAC Outreach and Membership Subcommittee (Shandel, Tara, Debi) - Discussion of open house with SEPTA, PEATC (?)
      • Tara will reach out to SEPTA
    • Identification of the continuum of support for parents
      • Events are messaged out to every parent/family of a student who receives special education services
      • SCOOP goes out every Tuesday to parents/families
      • SED on twitter, Facebook
      • Events appear in the Communicator
        • Some teachers have brought entire classes to prior events
  • Monthly report regarding Equitable Budget Taskforce: Jaime Van Echo
    • Jaime was not present
  • Motions from the September meeting - Follow up
    • This issue was tabled by the chair
  • Pending appointments of new members to SEAC
    • A new member for Woodbridge is on the Board's agenda for December!
• New Business:
  • Attending PTA meetings at schools
    • Must be a public meeting
    • No one-to-one meetings with administrators as a member of SEAC regarding issues
    • We CAN share material and information about SEAC
  • SEAC members attending functions in community
    • Do we have a list of functions
      • Rhonda will send a list of functions
    • Begin to assign members to go
      • This will begin in December
    • Items for SEAC table
      • Request made to Dr. Reyher
  • Lobbying/contacting public officials
    • This issue was tabled by the chair

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large - Present - Parents like the option of having virtual meetings. Follow up on the replication of social events/groups (Fin Friends). IEP Flow chart - transparency equals trust - make a flow chart of the process of IEP, including timeline. Hold staff accountable. Communication regarding IEP, it should be collaborative, not an argument or battle. Team decision. Parent is leader in IEP.
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District - Absent
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District: - Present - We need to have schools held accountable for students that are falling behind. Not receiving supports because they are not deemed a behavior issue. “Figure it out yourself”  Creating more concerns with mental health.
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - Absent
• VACANT: Neabsco District:
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District - Present left
• David Miles: Potomac District - Absent
• VACANT, Woodbridge District:
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative - Teacher survey - sent to the powers that be, please look at it and decide if it can be sent out
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative - Yields
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative - Tara wanted to ensure that students with disabilities could use transition services in order to have access towards acquiring the skill sets they needed in order to reach post secondary goals. She is hoping DARS and other supportive agencies will continue to work with the PWCS SPED department towards supporting our students with disabilities. Tara is looking forward to seeing what new things are happening for our students in relation to transition services.
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative - Absent 
• Jaime Van Echo, Superintendent Representative - Absent - Submitted comment that are in file
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant - Present - Circle of Support -on 11/12. Parenting in the electronic age, PEATC - Transition University - online, self paced program; people in SEAC interested in siblings - Are you an elf or are you a reindeer, Fredericksburg 12/10 4-6 pm; Two presentations thru SED, IEP consideration for extended school year; 12/08 Child Find Preschool 11:30 am
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant - Present - Reiterate a change in home bound, a couple of kids supposed to receive home bound - teacher doesn’t come at a regular time. Can’t we have teachers who offer home bound during the school hours, we need more consistency 

• Katherine Lekbad - Asked for motion to close the meeting
• Motion to close the meeting made by Shandel Lohr, seconded by Jennifer Andrew.

Meeting Agenda Date

• October 18, 2022 - 6 p.m., work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

2nd monthly meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee 2022 - 2023

• Chair: Katherine Lekbad
• Vice Chair: Tara Aqdas
• Secretary: Beverly Hicks

Opening of Meeting

• Katherine Lekbad

Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad
• Approval of September Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper: Newsletter
• Topics this month:
  • Introduction of New Directors - Dr. Reyher
  • Strategic Plan - Review all areas of the plan as related to IEP/504
    • Learning and Achievement for All
    • Positive Climate and Culture
    • Family and Community Engagement
    • Organizational Coherence

Business

• Old Business:
  •  Subcommittees:
    • SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Shandel, Tara, Debi.
      • Complete sign up of members to meet with 2 school administrators to discuss the needs of special education students.
      • Distribution of SEAC flyers.
  • Monthly report regarding Equitable Budget Taskforce: Jamie Van Echo
  • Parent Resource Center: Update?
  • U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs Seeking Input: Prioritizing Equity - SEAC members share the input they submitted.
• New Business:
  • Recommendations to fill vacant seats - Neabsco and Woodbridge: One application for Woodbridge. Brentsville Summer 2022.
  • Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA)
    • Update on SEPTA programs
    • Develop partnership between SEAC and SEPTA
  • Lobbying / Contacting Decision Makers.

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District
• Vacant: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District
• David Miles: Potomac District
• Vacant: Woodbridge District
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative
• Jamie Van Echo: Superintendent Representative
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant

Closing

• Katherine Lekbad

Motion for adjourn: The SEAC is organized and functions in accordance with state and federal requirements. The Committee's functions include the following: monthly meetings with the Director of the Special Education Department; determining needs of children with disabilities within the county; developing priorities and strategies for meeting identified needs of children with disabilities; preparing and submitting an annual report to the Prince William County School Board.

• October 18 2022 , 6 p.m. work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m.  Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad

• Katherine Lekbad
• Approval of September minutes
• Motion to approve May minutes made by Jamie Van Echo , seconded by Tara Aqdas
• Citizen time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comments. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes. The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of the children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Office of Special Education. In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.
  • Amanda Locklear: Parent - WE NEED HELP Global concerns over Office of Special Education ans shared a poem her son wrote about school
  • Melinda Vaikasiene: Parent - Rebecca Yellets moved up and Special Education needs a replacement
  • Sylvi Buckely: Parent - Trouble getting some back into school
• 7:09 p.m. - Citizen's time closed

• Dr. Michelle Roper: SMORES
• Introductions of new members of the Special Education Office - Dr. Hopkins and Dr. Wendy Martin-Johnson
• Wishing Dr. Roper well on her new adventures.
• Topics this month:
  • Strategic Plan - Review all areas of the plan as related to IEP/504
    • Learning and Achievement for All - p. 14, 19, 21, 25
    • Positive Climate and Culture
    • Family And Community Engagement
    • Organizational Coherence
• Jaime- Is PWCS using Medicaid Billing?
  • Dr. Roper - We are doing some billing but we will increase this billing
• Jaime - Project Search how many current students will be eligible and how many slots are available?
  • Dr. Roper - There are 10 slots that are all filled this year
• Question: Is there another track beside Employ and Project Search, for students who would like to attend college?
  • Dr. Roper - There are a variety of different options
• MTSS - Multi Tier Support System Questions - Levels of training of staff
  • Jaime Van Echo - Motion to request SED do a presentation on how they are doing on instruction of students with special education, especially regarding visual processing to support Strategic Item 1 with fidelity in MTSS.
  • The motion passes unanimously
• Darianella Baret - Question about dyslexia screening
  • Dr. Roper - The dyslexia is a screener is being discussed to find the best fit for the county
• Can the Ombudsman help Special Ed Parents? Can we talk about the resource available to parents for special
  • Jaime Van Echo - Motion is for the SEAC membership Outreach Committee to add the services of the Ombudsman to their agenda.
• Angela Lello - Motion for the Special Education to update the number of special education vacancies by cluster and also provide teacher certification data
  • Motion seconded by Jennifer Andrew
  • Motion passed unanimously
• Thanks to Dr. Roper for all her hard work, commitment and dedication to Special Education

• Subcommittees - Confirm committees, committee membership, business/timelines
  • SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Shandel, Tara, Debi.
    • Complete sign up of SEAC members to meet with two school administrators to discuss the needs of special education students
      • Rhonda stated that in the past SECA was advised not to go to schools by the state SECA
      • Jaime - Not doing a visit rather reach out and let principals and administrators to gain public awareness
      • The goal should be to strengthen partnerships ONLY and engage parents
      • Go to public meetings - PTA, Advisory meetings
      • This will be discussed in further detail to make sure this is done legally
    • Distribution of SEAC fliers - Wants to get them into all the schools
      • Needs clarification on legal issues with distribution of fliers
      • Rhonda - Email would be an option
      • Have a meet & Greet about SECA
      • Jaime - We can bring fliers to public meetings
      • Target Title One events with materials
      • Katherine Lekbad - Motion to have the Special Education Department distribute a flier to all families with students who have an IEP or 504 Plan of the exists and purpose of SECA. Motion seconded by Jaime Van Echo
      • Motion passes unanimously
      • Angelo Lello - Motion that SEAC hosts an Open House Event and invite other support agencies
      • Motion seconded by David Miles
      • Motion passed unanimously
    • Monthly report regarding Equitable Budget Taskforce: Jaime Van Echo - Nothing new to report
    • Parent Resource Center: Update - Events are going as planned. The position will be posted soon
    • USDOE Office of Special Education Programs Seeking Input: Prioritizing Equity - SEAC members share the input they submitted
• New Business:
  • Recommendations for appointment of a member for Neabsco and Woodbridge: One application for Woodbridge forwarded
• Caitlin Gallagher - New VP SEPTA - All new board for Special Education PTA
  • SEPTA - Hosts meeting and connects people
  • Looking to have meetings in afternoons and evenings
  • Turkeys for Teachers - In November
  • Looking to have new opportunities can find on Facebook, Twitter or Website
  • Jaime Van Echo, Jennifer Mira and Katherine Lekbad going to coordinate between the two organizations

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large - Not Present
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District - Not Present
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District: Yields
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - Yields
• VACANT: Neabsco District:
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District - Yields
• David Miles: Potomac District - Yields
• VACANT: Woodbridge District:
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative - Please make sure fidelity is paired with resources and training. Special education teachers should be paid MORE. Teachers need help.
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative - The September 26 Project - Helping families engage with emergency services. Homebound teachers hours are not during school time because they teach class and therefore they come after a full day of work.
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative - After School Activities - want to make sure special needs children have opportunities and their privacy is respected inside and outside school. Teachers need to be inclusive and be role models.
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative - Left early excused 
• Jaime Van Echo, Superintendent Representative - October is AAC (augmentative alternative communication) Data from Principal Advisory Committee is alarming. Dr Roper we will miss you terribly.
• Rhonda Tabor, Consultant: Yields
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant- She is a disability advocate She lives in Neabsco District. Homebound concern - students are not seeing students enough and if there are different options - need teacher on assignment who instruct during school hours and get more time with teachers

• Katherine Lekbad - close the meeting

Meeting Agenda Date

• September 20, 2022 - 6 p.m., work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

1st monthly meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee 2022 - 2023

• Chair: Katherine Lekbad
• Vice Chair: Tara Aqdas
• Secretary: Beverly Hicks

Opening of Meeting

• Katherine Lekbad

Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad
• Approval of May Minutes
• Approval of corrected April Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper: Smores
• Topics this month:
  • New Associate Superintendent Ashley Reyher, Ed.D (Staff Spotlight)
  • New Organization of Department
  • Teacher Shortage
  • Multi-tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS)
  • Update on 504 Focus Group

Business

• Old Business:
  • Subcommittees - Confirm committees, committee membership, business/timelines
    • Subcommittee to review and update by-laws: Jamie, Kristie, Rhonda, Katherine. Business as needed 
    • SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Beverly, Shandel, Tara, Debi. Update on mission and objectives ongoing.
    • Nominating Subcommittee: Angela, Sara, Jamie. Nominations will be needed by March 2023
    • Annual Report Subcommittee: Katherine, Jaime, Bev, Debi. Report to be sent to School Board April 2023 (SEAC / Dept of SPED) - The report subcommittee began meeting in January.
• Parent Resource Center: Update on staff, update on current events, update on renovations.
• New Business:
  • SEAC query on pressing issues.
  • Agenda items for the rest of the year - already suggested:
    • 504 Training to Staff (Katherine)
    • Review of statistical data of children receiving services or identification with the growth of non-disabled students (Jaime)
    • ESY- How many kids didn't receive the ESY services that they were supposed to & what the plan is to address / resolve and prevent this issue from happening next year (Angela) 
    • Second Language Learners and Special Education - compliance (Katherine)

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large - 
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District - 
• Jennifer Howarth Mira: Coles District (New Member) - 
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - 
• Vacant: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District - 
• David Miles: Potomac District -  
• Vacant: Woodbridge District -
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative - 
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative - 
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative - 
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative - 
• Jamie Van Echo: Superintendent Representative -
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant - 
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant - 

Closing

• Katherine Lekbad

The SEAC is organized and functions in accordance with state and federal requirements. The Committee's functions include the following: monthly meetings with the Director of the Special Education Department; determining needs of children with disabilities within the county; developing priorities and strategies for meeting identified needs of children with disabilities; preparing and submitting an annual report to the Prince William County School Board.

• September 20, 2022 , 6 p.m. work sessions for subcommittees
• 7:01 p.m.  Call to Order

• Katherine Lekbad

• Katherine Lekbad
• Approval of May minutes
• Motion to approve May minutes made by Jamie Van Echo , seconded by David Miles - Motion Approved
• Motion to approve corrected April Minutes made by Jaime Van Echo, seconded by Tara Aqdas. Motion Approved.
• Citizen time : Started at 7:04 p.m.
  • Stephanie Hanley- Occoquan District
    • Lack of teachers is a concern
• 7:06 p.m. - Citizen's time closed

• Dr. Michelle Roper: SMORES
• Link- Sent to SEAC members before meeting
• Topics this month:
  • New Associate Superintendent Ashley Reyher, Ed.D (staff Spotlight)
  • New Organization of Department
  • Teacher Shortage - Building a pipeline to work on the shortage long term
  • Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) - New positions for MTSS added and the new director will begin shortly
  • Update on 504 Focus Group - Creating a focus group for 504

• Subcommittees - Confirm committees, committee membership, business/timelines
  • Subcommittee to review and update by-laws: Jamie, Kristie, Rhonda, Katherine. Business as needed - Disband tis committee as needed.
  • SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Beverly, Shandel, Tara, Debi. Update on mission and objectives ongoing.
  • Nominating Subcommittee: Angela, Sara, Jamie. Nominations will be needed by March 2023- Beverly nominated for te committee by Jaime Van Echo and seconded by Beverly Hicks.
  • Annual Report Subcommittee: Katherine, Jaime, Bev, Debi. Report to be sent to School Board April 2023 (SEAC / Dept of SPED) - The report subcommittee began meeting in January.
• Parent Resource Center: Update on staff, update on current events, update on renovations - PRC is looking to hire and PRC update provided by Dr. Roper
• New Business:
  • SEAC query on pressing issues.
    • Teacher Shortage (Qualified special education teachers needed) and Budget (Increasing Special Ed teachers pay).
    • New Law HB4 signed into law in May about behavioral challenges in schools. Students being referred to Law Enforcement due to the new Lw. Concerns of guidance given to principals for students with disabilities.
    • Funding for inclusive activities during school and outside of school and summer.
    • Training or course for staff on note taking and notes sent home being needs to objective not subjective.
    • Transition - Not enough opportunities for special education students when they leave the public schools.
    • Fully fund IDEA part b and c
    • Use PWCS as a model for inclusive practices
  • Agenda items for the rest of the year - already suggested:
    • 504 Training to Staff (Katherine)
    • Review of statistical data of children receiving services or identification with the growth of non-disabled students (Jaime)
    • ESY- How many kids didn't receive the ESY services that they were supposed to & what the plan is to address / resolve and prevent this issue from happening next year (Angela) - Dr. Roper said currently working on making up ESY and looking for possible suggestions to help solve these issues. Angela suggested that PWCS partners with outside vendors. According to Dr. Roper parents are able to find outside vendors and the county would pay for the services.
    • Second Language Learners and Special Education - compliance (Katherine)
  • Office of Special Education Seeking Input: Prioritizing EQUITY - SEAC members can provide input before 9/30/2022. Use this link to give input (Jaime), share feedback APPAPR@ed.gov include "Determinations Feedback" in the subject line. Jaime motions that everyone in attendance agrees to email and provide feedback and then bring their email to the next meeting. Motion seconded by David Miles. Motion Approved.
  • ESOL and Special Education Concerns - Katherine - List of recommendations can be found on the Report to the School Board from the year 2021-22.
  • Make sure all positions on SEAC are filled
  • Equitable budgeting task force - Monthly updates
  • Continuing monitoring of recovery services
  • Road map for transition from public school to private centers
  • Increase opportunities for students after leaving PWCS
  • Family life program make more equitably across the county
  • Regular SEPTA updates
  • Continued supports for the PRC
  • Training for teachers for Social Emotional Supports
  • Supporting teachers for mental health
  • Recommend expanding partnership with parents for IEP - Including parent packet and Dr. Roper talked about a poster for norms
  • Continue to follow the Outreach Goals
  • Continue staff highlights to meet special ed personal
  • Train counselors to support special education students with grief and loss related issues

• Shandel Lohr, At-Large - Thank everyone, esp special ed department for sharing new initiatives
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District - Chalk Walk at Victory Elementary
• Jennifer Howarth Mira, Coles District: New member - Special ed teacher in Fairfax and has four children in PWCS and just finished the visual ed program.
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District - yields
• VACANT: Neabsco District:
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District - Absent
• David Miles, Potomac District: Like the pipeline to help with shortages and looking for training opportunities
• VACANT, Woodbridge District:
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative - Writing a survey for special ed teachers and then will have it approved by PWCS
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative - Summer camps - “I can swim camp” very successful they had 30 swimmers as well as a waitlist It would be great to have more programs like this due to the high rate of water deaths for the special needs community
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative - Shared the mission statement and goals for the Outreach Subcommittee DIP (Differentiated Instructional Practices) Conference attended by Tara and Jaime Van Echo
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative - Absent 
• Jaime Van Echo, Superintendent Representative -
  • On Budgeting for Equity and Adequacy Taskforce. Will provide monthly updates to SEAC.
  • imAACtvoices.org transition and employment summit Oct 7 -8
  • Kennedy Krieger.org/NDW23 March 22 -24
  • PWSC SEPTA - new board and will focus on advocacy, inclusion, meet ups and more donations to our sped teachers
  • Graduation concern for special needs students - need to make an extra supports/accommodations for their friendships and peers
• Rhonda Tabor, Consultant: Glad to stay on the committee as a consultant
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant: Absent

• Katherine Lekbad - close the meeting

Meeting Agenda Date

• May 17, 2022 - 6 p.m., work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

9th monthly meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee 2021 - 2022

• Chair: Jaime Van Echo
• Vice Chair: Beverly Hicks
• Secretary: Katherine Lekbad

Opening of Meeting

• Jamie Van Echo

Call to Order

• Jamie Van Echo
• Approval of April Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper: Smores
• This month: Special Education Department - Reminder to register for the DIP conference.

Business

• Subcommittee to review and update by-laws: Jamie, Kristie, Rhonda, Katherine. No business
• SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Beverly, Shandel, Tara. Update on mission and objectives.
• Nominating Subcommittee: Angela, Sara, Jamie. Request candidates for Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary.
  • Nominated for Chair - Katherine Lekbad
  • Nominated for Vice Chair - Tara Aqdas
  • Nominated for Secretary - Deborah Tekampe
• Annual report Subcommittee: Katherine, Jaime, Bev, Debi. Slide completed by Special Education Department and Report sent to the School Board April 2022.
• PWC-Special Education PTA: Melina Vaikasiene / Janice Soliven. Award Ceremony, Fundraiser for SEPTA - Bonfire, Elections of new officers.
• Parent Resource Center: Rhonda Tabor. Update on current events, update on renovations.
• New Business: PEATC requested time to speak, need to identify someone to remain in contact for next year and to work out with Special Education Department when it will be added to the SEAC schedule.

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District
• Sarah Pitkin: Coles District
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District
• Angela Comisky: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District
• David Miles: Potomac District
• Jason Rock: Woodbridge District
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative
• Jamie Van Echo: Superintendent Representative
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant

Closing

• Jamie Van Echo

Motion for adjourn: The SEAC is organized and functions in accordance with state and federal requirements. The Committee's functions include the following: monthly meetings with the Director of the Special Education Department; determining needs of children with disabilities within the county; developing priorities and strategies for meeting identified needs of children with disabilities; preparing and submitting an annual report to the Prince William County School Board.

• May 17, 2022 , 7 p.m. work sessions for subcommittees
• 7:10 p.m.  Call to Order - Kelly Leadership Center

• Jamie Van Echo

• Jamie Van Echo
• April minutes -
  • Huebner had corrections from McDade- McDade has two family members on the spectrum and is sensitive to the issue. On 4/8/22 she sent a letter to the community regarding autism awareness and spoke at the school board meeting regarding autism Awareness. McDade has requested that the APRIL SEAC minutes be changed to reflect this information.
• Motion to approve the minutes with corrections suggested by SED made by Beverly Hicks, seconded by Tara Aqdas.
• Citizen time : Started at 7:14 p.m.
  • Yukiko Dove - Discussion regarding SLP services being delayed due to lack of SLP's. What's the plan for next year?
    • Jaime to Roper - You don't have to comment. Roper wanted to. Dr,. Roper indicated that SED wa aware of issue and sending letters looking to partner with outside organizations and sending letters to parents.
  • Yukiko graduating this weekend with a Masters in Special Education
  • Jaime - Every SLP is hurting
• 7:19 p.m. - Citizen's time closed

• Dr. Michelle Roper: 7:20 p.m.
• SMORES - Online newsletter. Link sent to SEAC members.
  • AAC Team created a quarterly newsletter "The Voice" with all things AAC. It's a wealth of information for parents.
  • There was a brunch at Freedom HS for last SPED Admin meeting.
  • PWC Parks & Recreation - Flyer on scholarships
  • Different types of diplomas explained
  • DIP Conference - June 21 - 23
• 504 Presentation by Sherry Baker
  • Teachers and staff to apply 504 plan
  • Reach out to 504 case manager to get the plan
    • Discussion of who gets the plan automatically - Dr. Roper - It depends on who is part of the plan. Is it Medical? Then the nurse will be the case manager. If it's social emotional it could be the guidance counselor.
    • Jaime - Why does administration not know everything about a 504 plan? Equity is so important. There should be mandatory training for every admin on implementation of 504 plans. How are admin held accountable when there are discrepancies? How do we keep track of whether or not these plans are implemented correctly? Why are students not being trained to advocate for their own 504 plans?
    • Sherry Baker - Focus group this summer (2022) on 504 plans. Contact Dr. Roper.
• Janice Solven - SEPTA -
  • Grateful to Dr. Roper for reaching out to parents.
  • SEPTA elections June 9 - All positions and vetted.
  • Hang out May 24, 7 p.m. Led by incoming VP. 
  • June 16, 4 - 6 p.m., in person hang out at Woodbine Preschool Center. Carnival games, talent show videos.
  • Looking to start strong at beginning of the new year.
  • Possibly having special education Back To School Night.

• Subcommittee to Review and update By-Laws: Jaime Van Echo, Kristie Bowie-Young, Rhonda Tabor, Katherine Lekbad
  • No Business
• SEAC Outreach and Membership Subcommittee: Beverly Hicks, Shandel Lohr, Tara Aqdas and Debi Tekampe
  • No business
• Nominating Subcommittee: Sarah Pitkin, Jaime Van Echo and Angela Comiskey 
  • Elect candidates for Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary
    • Nominated for Chair - Katherine Lekbad
    • Nominated for Vice Chair - Tara Aqdas
    • Nominated for Secretary - Deborah Tekampe
  • Motion to accept all nominations made by Angela Lello. Seconded by David Miles. Vot to accept was unanimous. Jaime Exho voted by proxy for Beverly Hicks and Deborah Tekampe.
• Annual Report Subcommittee: Katherine Lekbad Jaime Van Echo, Beverly Hicks and Debi Tekampe                   
  • Slides completed by the Special Education Department and Report sent to the School Board April 2022.
  • Ms. Huebner - We don't have to present. It's routed through the Board and will be on the School Board Agenda as well as the SEAC website once the Board has it.
    • Angela - How will the School Board discuss the Report?
    • Ms. Huebner - 2 by 2 meetings of the Board Members will allow for discussion of the Report. They will then bring their interest and information to SB Chair and will make a decision about what will be discussed during the School Board Meeting.
• Parent Resource Center: Consultant
  • Rhonda was not able to attend, but she wants you to know
    • Get 504 information at PRC
    • DIP!
    • Summer Camp list on the PRC website
• New Business: 
  • PEATC requested time to speak at meetings next year. Need to identify someone in SEAC to stay in touch with PEATC next year and work out with SED when PEATC can have time on the agenda.
  • 504 working group this summer - Need to work with Dr. Roper.

• Shandel Lohr - At Large: Present - Thank you for the clarification from Dr. McDade
• Beverly Hicks - Brentsville District: Absent
• Sarah Pitkin - Coles District : Present - Yields her time - Jaime noted that Sarah has worked very hard for our community and we love Ace Hardware.
• Deborah Tekampe - Gainesville District : Absent
• Angela Comisky - Neabsco District : Present - My son went to his first prom at Forest Park. Amazing experience for him, so much fun. Ashley Teon, the Admin at Forst Park, made it happen. I hope that anyone in this group can do something similar in other schools.
  • Jaime noted that Angela has been here for four years. She's done extra advocacy for a small group who require so much love and support.
• Angela Lello - Occoquan District : Present - Kelsey McKrystal, an autism teacher in Occoquan district was nominated for teacher of the year. She's one of 51 nominees. Event will be May 24, 2022.
• David Miles - Potomac District : Present - Very happy to be member of this committee, wants to help spread the word about SEAC.
• Jason Rock - Woodbridge District: Absent
• Katherine Lekbad - Teacher Representative : Present - Excited to be Chair next year, really looking forward to working with you all to move our issues forward and do what's best for special education students and staff.
• Jennifer Andrew - Superintendent Representative : Present - A parent shared concern about their student not getting vocational training outside the classroom despite parents pressing for it. They've been told the student needs 1:1 support and that is why she cannot have vocational training. This is an opportunity. Parents want to know why there is no listing. There are other opportunities in other programs like cosmetology and engineering specialty. The parent feels shut down because didn't know there were opportunities at other schools. Dr. Roper will reach out to parents. Dr. Roper says there is Employ in each school.
• Tara Aqdas- Superintendent Representative: Present - Thank you for the Vice Chair position. Good News! Dr. Jacks at Nokesville School is starting a parent  support group. We talked about having social events. Get Dr. Parrish to coordinate events with Dr. Jacks. Start spreading inclusive clubs all across the county. Also concern from teachers that they feel immense pressure to meet goals for  students each year. Do we need sub-goals? Dr. Roper - If a student is not reaching  goals, reconvene the IEP team and make new goals. Huebner has the feeling that the new strategic plan will define what progress is meant to be. Looking for  feedback from teachers to give to the Superintendent.
• Darianella Baret - Superintendent Representative : Present via Zoom - Yield
• Jamie Van Echo - Superintendent Representative : Present - Thank you to Ms. Huebner. Thank you to everyone. Thank you to Dr. Roper. I’m excited that I have  one more year. Hoping things go well with the new Superintendent. Thank you for showing up every month!
• Rhonda Tabor - Consultant : Absent.
• Kristie Bowie Young - Consultant : Preset - Independence Empowerment Center - we help people with disabilities and their families.
  • Those having difficulties paying bills, Kristie can help get you money for paying electric or gas - Dominion/Novec.
  • kyoung@ieccil.org 

• Jaime van Echo - Close the meeting
• Motion to close meeting made by Katherine Lekbad, seconded by Jennifer Andrew.
• Jaime Van Echo closed the meeting at 9:15 p.m.

Meeting Agenda Date

• April 19, 2022 - 6 p.m., work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

8th monthly meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee 2021 - 2022

• Chair: Jaime Van Echo
• Vice Chair: Beverly Hicks
• Secretary: Katherine Lekbad

Opening of Meeting

• Jamie Van Echo

Call to Order

• Jamie Van Echo
• Approval of March Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper: Smores
• This month: Special Education Department

Business

• Subcommittee to review and update by-laws: Jamie, Kristie, Rhonda, Katherine. No business
• SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Beverly, Shandel, Tara. Review and report update on mission and objectives.
• Nominating Subcommittee: Angela, Sara, Jamie. Request candidates for Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary.
• Annual report Subcommittee: Katherine, Jaime, Bev, Debi. Update and requests of committee members.
• PWC-Special Education PTA: Melina Vaikasiene / Janice Soliven
• Parent Resource Center: Rhonda Tabor. Update on current events, update on renovations and response to questions from last meeting.
• New Business:
• May 17, 2022: Voting New Members and Executive Board

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District
• Sarah Pitkin: Coles District
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District
• Angela Comisky: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District
• David Miles: Potomac District
• Jason Rock: Woodbridge District
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative
• Jamie Van Echo: Superintendent Representative
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant

Closing

• Jamie Van Echo

Motion for adjourn: The SEAC is organized and functions in accordance with state and federal requirements. The Committee's functions include the following: monthly meetings with the Director of the Special Education Department; determining needs of children with disabilities within the county; developing priorities and strategies for meeting identified needs of children with disabilities; preparing and submitting an annual report to the Prince William County School Board.

• April 19, 2022 , 6 p.m. work sessions for subcommittees
• 7:05 p.m. Called to Order

• Jamie Van Echo

• Jamie Van Echo
• Approval of March minutes
  • Corrections made to the March Minutes
  • Motion to approve the changes by Beverly Hicks and seconded by Angela Lello
• Citizen time :
  • No members of the public in person.
  • No members of the public online.

• Dr. Michelle Roper: SMORES
  • Transition Fair Highlighted
  • Free Online courses for families
  • April is National Deaf Awareness Month
  • Summer Camps
  • Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month
  • Parent Resource for the new VAAP program
  • Standards of Learning participation and inclusion
  • Parent Resource Center Upcoming Events
  • This month Special Education Department

• Subcommittee to Review and update By-Laws: Jaime Van Echo, Kristie Bowie-Young, Rhonda Tabor, Katherine Lekbad
  • No Business
• SEAC Outreach and Membership Subcommittee: Beverly Hicks, Shandel Lohr, Tara Aqdas - Review and update on mission and objectives.
  • Jennifer Andrew and Tara Aqdas - Attended Transition Fair
  • They noted the need for SEAC information in more languages
  • They noted parents wanting sports at all schools
• Nominating Subcommittee: Sarah Pitkin, Jaime and Angela Comiskey - Request candidates for Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary
  • Nominating for Chair - Katherine Lekbad
  • Nominating for Vice Chair - Tara Aqdas
  • Nominating for Secretary - Deborah Tekampe
  • Motion to nominate by Beverly Hicks
  • Motion seconded by Sarah Pitkin
• Annual Report Subcommittee: Katherine Lekbad Jaime Van Echo, Beverly Hicks and Debi Tekampe - Update and requests of committee members
  • The entire SEAC, in attendance, went line by line through the annual report
  • Suggestions and additions were made to the report
  • Motion to approve the edits by Deborah Tekampe
  • Motion to second the edits by Sarah Pitkin
  • Motion passed with 100% agreement
• PWCS - Special Education PTA : Melinda Vaikasiene / Janice Soliven
  • T-Shirt fundraiser
  • May 1 - Virtual Awards
  • June 16 - in person event at Woodbine Preschool with Alpacas
  • Parent Resource Center - Rhonda Tabor : Update on current events, update on renovations and response to questions from last meeting
  • PEATS Service Animal workshop of May 19
  • VDOE event May 4 and 11 on Critical Talking Points
  • Benefits for SSI
• New Business:
  • May 17, 2022 : Voting New Members and Executive Board

• Shandel Lohr - At Large : Present
  • Concerns about unified athletics throughout the county
  • In an April 8, 2022, letter to the community Superintendent McDade addresses Autism Awareness Month. The Superintendent also made comments about Autism Awareness Month before the School Board.
• Beverly Hicks - Brentsville District : Present - Yielded her time
• Sarah Pitkin - Coles District : Present
  • Issue with transparency in 504s
• Deborah Tekampe - Gainesville District : Preset - Yielded her time
• Angela Comisky - Neabsco District : Present - Yielded her time
• Angela Lello - Occoquan District : Present - Yielded her time
• David Miles - Potomac District : Absent
• Jason Rock - Woodbridge District : Absent
• Katherine Lekbad - Teacher Representative : Absent
• Jennifer Andrew - Superintendent Representative : Present
  • Discussed term : "Autism Action"
• Tara Aqdas- Superintendent Representative: Present - Yielded her time
• Darianella Baret - Superintendent Representative : Absent
• Jamie Van Echo - Superintendent Representative : Present - Yielded her time
• Rhonda Tabor - Consultant : Present - Yielded her time
• Kristie Bowie Young - Consultant : Absent

• Jaime van Echo - Close the meeting
• Motion to adjourn
• Jaime Van Echo closed the meeting at 9:02 p.m.

Meeting Agenda Date

• March 15, 2022 - 6 p.m., work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

7th monthly meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee 2021 - 2022

• Chair: Jaime Van Echo
• Vice Chair: Beverly Hicks
• Secretary: Katherine Lekbad

Opening of Meeting

• Jamie Van Echo

Call to Order

• Jamie Van Echo
• Approval of February Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper: Smores
• This month: Annual Plan
• April 19, 2022: Development of School Board Presentation
• May 17, 2022: Voting New members and Executive Board

Business

• Subcommittee to review and update by-laws: Jamie, Kristie, Rhonda, Katherine. No business
• SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Beverly, Shandel, Tara. Review and report update on mission and objectives.
• Nominating Subcommittee: Angela, Sara, Jamie. Request candidates for Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary.
• Annual report Subcommittee: Katherine, Jaime, Bev, Debi. Update and requests of committee members.
• PWC-Special Education PTA: Melina Vaikasiene / Janice Soliven
• Parent Resource Center: Rhonda Tabor. Update on current events, update on renovations and response to questions from last meeting.
• New Business: Parent concerns regarding Code Orange.

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District
• Sarah Pitkin: Coles District
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District
• Angela Comisky: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District
• David Miles: Potomac District
• Jason Rock: Woodbridge District
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative
• Jamie Van Echo: Superintendent Representative
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant

Closing

• Jamie Van Echo

Motion for adjourn: The SEAC is organized and functions in accordance with state and federal requirements. The Committee's functions include the following: monthly meetings with the Director of the Special Education Department; determining needs of children with disabilities within the county; developing priorities and strategies for meeting identified needs of children with disabilities; preparing and submitting an annual report to the Prince William County School Board.

• March 15, 2022 , 6 p.m. work sessions for subcommittees
• 7:04 p.m. Call to Order - Kelly Leadership Center

• Jamie Van Echo

• Jamie Van Echo
• Approval of February minutes
• Motion to approve the minutes: Beverly Hicks and seconded by Katherine Lekbad - Approved
• Citizen time : Started at 7:05 p.m.
  • No members f the public in person.
  • No members of the public online.
• 7:06 p.m. - Citizen's time closed

• Dr. Michelle Roper: SMORES
  • PETCE Event
  • Photos from Parents as Partners
    • Very good event,
    • Kids at Patriot made the bags,
    • Keynote message was in perfect timing,
    • Thank you to Rhonda Tabor and Mr. Williams,
    • Feedback from parents was very positive,
    • Parents really enjoy being able to network with each other.
  • Autism Awareness
    • Discussion on the need to have both awareness and acceptance.
    • Discussion about how it is the folks with autism that is advocating for the use of the word acceptance.
  • I'm Determined Summer Summit
  • Transition Fair at March 26, 2022
  • DIP Conference - June 21 - 23, 2022,
    • For school staff (all types) will be Tuesday - Thursday.
    • Inviting Manassas City and Manassas Park,
    • Keynote very exciting!
    • Screening "Crip Camp" then Q & A with Judith Heumann,
    • Vendor tables, lunch, ice cream!
• This month: Annual Plan - Dr. Roper
  • More staff, this is not all the staff, this is just the staff we use for this federal grant money. Dr. Roper reviewed the plan, tremendous amount in local budget and we are grateful for the coming budget (not in this document).
  • This is federal funds. This is the base federal grant.
  • We did receive additional funds for COVID.
  • Angela L - Division has no barriers means that we look at certain barriers and indicate that we have no barriers to grant maintenance.
  • Heubner - We are lucky to have support of budget specialists in finance. This is a very complicated process.
  • Required to review it with SEAC.
• April 19, 2022 : Development of School Board Presentation
  • Jamie - Just a reminder that this is due next month. We need to discuss as a group next month.
• May 17, 2022 : Voting New Members and Executive Board
  • Jamie - Need to vote in new executive Board Members.
• School Board Meeting to present SEAC report to School Board
  • Jaime - We need to know if there is a target date.
  • Heubner - Can't give yo an exact date,
  • Work with Heubner, Jaime get in touch
  • Rhonda - Usually first week of June, HAVE IT DONE MID APRIL

• Subcommittee to Review and update By-Laws: Jaime Van Echo, Kristie Bowie-Young, Rhonda Tabor, Katherine Lekbad
  • No Business
• SEAC Outreach and Membership Subcommittee: Beverly Hicks, Shandel Lohr, Tara Aqdas and Debi Tekampe - Review and update on mission and objectives.
  • Beverly - Amazing table and presentations, good feedback, we will be at transition fair
  • Tara - It was wonderful
  • Katherine - Awesome day, may parents were at the beginning of their journey, it was great to talk with them, senior at Colgan explained what a good time she was having at school.
  • Debi - Doesn't need to be a fight a lot of parents were gearing up to fight. Need t try to convey the need to work together.
• Nominating Subcommittee: Sarah Pitkin, Debi Tekampe and Angela Comiskey - Request candidates for Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary
  • Angela L - Katherine has volunteered to be nominee to be chair, Tara Aqdas has volunteered to be Vice Chair, would like Debi to consider being secretary - Debi accepts.
  • We will vote on May 17.
• Annual Report Subcommittee: Katherine Lekbad Jaime Van Echo, Beverly Hicks and Debi Tekampe - Update and requests of committee members.
  • Update need to work on it and
  • Any request for something specific in annual report? Nothing mentioned.
• PWCS - Special Education PTA : Melinda Vaikasiene / Janice Soliven - both not available
  • Jamie -
    • Had another parent meet up
    • Very successful, T-Shirt fundraiser
    • Trying to work on getting Alpacas for EOY
    • Big thing is they don't have officers right now
    • If you see parents that want to advocate for this community, SEPTA really needs volunteers!!
    • It's a big picture group.
  • Rhonda - Virtual Talent Show?
  • Jamie - No, lack of volunteers.
• Parent Resource Center: Rhonda Tabor - Update on current events, update on renovations and response from last meeting.
  • How is the update of the library - Still waiting to hear what will happen with the space.
  • Huebner - There is a lot going on with space, we reassure you the PRC is not going away. We recognize it is important, it is a matter of good fit. For example, computers for parents to use. We will give an update in the near future.
  • Rhonda - Last week Huebner and McDade came to visit and listened to our vision and for our families to be welcomed and the space be inviting.
  • Next year is 30 years of PRC and serving the County. Over 8 families have come in the last week. Everything we are doing with outreach is bringing people in.
  • Angela L - You go out as well, don't you? even if people can't come here, you ae serving them where they are. Rhonda - Zoom at 6 or 7 p.m. at night. I make myself very available.
  • The number of attendees at the events offered by the PRC have increased. We've got translators.
  • Check the PRC website for events and offerings, for example. IEP event, PEATC events, ESY - April 6, SEPTA self-regulation.
• New Business: Parents concerns regarding Code Orange
  • Jaime - Got an email for a SEAC member about parent concerns regarding code orange and children who receive special education services.
  • Angel L - I don't fee I've had enough experience with code orange to have anything to really say. Good to reflect, take data.
  • Tara - No problems.
  • Jennifer - My son is in private placement and his school elected to go virtual the first two weeks of January, being on the zooms - some responded well, some were at variable abilities. For my son, it was nice, I got to meet my son's teacher and classmates, I got a lot of information that I don't normally get. But I could see for the kids that have problems who have challenges.
  • McDade - Code Orange - This year, it was asynchronous learning, next year it would be virtual. Code orange is used because we can't have two hour delay due to bus shortages. Code orange - I did get feedback, good feedback, interactions with teacher, collect data to make determination. I want students to have access to the teachers. How do we maximize the time students have in instruction.
  • Huebner -This discussion will help our staff be prepared for next year.
  • McDade - We all want what is best for our students. That is how we are approaching this. Code Orange gives structure to time off when the weather is not severe enough for a code red. We are protecting and maximizing the time our students have.
  • David - Have concerns, but hasn't happened yet. Need to get more information to have feedback.
  • Jaime - No one was concerned, if they miss instruction then we will talk about it during the IEP meeting.
  • Shandel - No, I haven't heard anything. As a parent the teacher has been very good that it may be a code orange day - sending home what students need to be prepared.
  • Debbie - No, I haven't heard anything.
  • Kristie - I haven't heard anything, it worked for my darlings.
  • Katherine - What I have heard has come from parents of students with more severe impacts. What will happened if there are services that are missed? What if the child can't attend, what if the student needs frequent redirects? We need to go ahead and collect data to make a determination.
  • Beverly - I hear parents that are appreciative of your (McDade's) transparency.
  • Angela L - Hand over hand instruction. Need to redirect.
• Jaime Van Echo - 504 Plan
  • I was not invited to be a part of SEAC because my child -- testing coordinator across multiple schools across multiple families have failed the students on a 504. My child self-advocated today for a SOL, and all her self-advocating was shot down by staff she doesn't work with on a regular basis. What can we do for students who don't look like they need help, but they DO need help. Audio books should not be an accommodation. Accommodations are wither not known, or not being used, or not being addresses in terms of self-advocacy. It's accommodations in general.

• Shandel Lohr - At Large: Present via Zoom - Yielded her time
• Beverly Hicks - Brentsville District: Present - People asking about budget numbers and explaining the process of determining how many teachers he can have at a grade level - Questions came up - When determining numbers for a class and trying to meet the strategic goals, when you have a group of self-contained students, when students go to gen ed inclusion, that is not account for in the numbers and there are huge concerns for the class getting much larger. A music teacher who has way more students.
  • Huebner - We do account for all instructional personnel; we do account for our level 2 students who go out into general education classes. We look for a good fit in timing. We do make sure we have funding and staffing.
  • Deborah - From a teachers perspective I've definitely had large groups that come in that puts the class over 30. I do think that it is a concern, it's not on paper, it's not looked at, this is at the school level - we get overcapacity because our numbers are so high. The specialists do feel that in the ES.
  • Dr. McDade - We do take into account the minutes hat we need to take into account. We need to collect data and find out what is going on.
• Sarah Pitkin - Coles District : Absent
• Deborah Tekampe - Gainesville District : Preset via Zoom - Yield
• Angela Comisky - Neabsco District : Present - Yield
• Angela Lello - Occoquan District :Present - I heard about moms talking about level 2 kids that had the same exact schedule because there was only one aide. Too many level 2 kids - Are they grouped together because of staffing. What's up with compensator services - How do you get it, have you been offered it?
  • Dr. Roper - Students for ESY, COVID Recovery - That means we are looking at the student requiring additional services. Compensatory where there has been a mistake. Because of our staffing shortages with speech, letters are sent to parents. PWCS acknowledging it out of the gate.
  • Angela L - Parents don't know the difference, would be good to educate them.
  • Dr. Roper - We could do a session about what compensatory services are at SEAC. IEP team should be considering all these things. Additional module in IEP system to track compensatory services.
• David Miles - Potomac District : Present - Yield
• Jason Rock - Woodbridge District: Absent
• Katherine Lekbad - Teacher Representative : Present - Teacher friend that wants to be a Teacher on Special Assignment to act as liaison between PWCS and Hope and Serenity Farm. Would there be interest in having students with special education services to the farm for therapeutic services?
• Jennifer Andrew - Superintendent Representative : Present - Yield
• Tara Aqdas- Superintendent Representative: Present - How do we bridge the communication between when parents feel overwhelmed and the staff in the school - there is a breakdown in communication. Check list for what to do in the IEP meeting.
  • Dr. Roper - It's good point to post the agenda, and everyone is aware of the steps. We can talk with administrators to see if those are up to date.
  • Huebner - I like the idea of a visual. It's great to remind of that.
• Darianella Baret - Superintendent Representative : Absent
• Jamie Van Echo - Superintendent Representative : Present - Yield
• Rhonda Tabor - Consultant : Present - Binder for parents as partners to help with IEP.
• Kristie Bowie Young - Consultant : Preset via Zoom - As I was hearing earlier about if you know of any families for independent living/cc+ - I can help them get assistance, any families that are still struggling with energy bills, send them our way. Teamed up with Yukiko Dove - "I Can Swim" June 20 -24, 2022. We have a few spots, we need volunteers.
• Jaime Van Echo - Superintendent Representative : Present - Deep gratitude that you come and keep coming to get this SEAC full. It's so supportive to each other to make sure the students and people of PWCS are served. Thank you so much

• Jaime van Echo - Close the meeting
• Motion to close meeting made by Katherine Lekbad, seconded by Debra Tekampe.
• Jaime Van Echo closed the meeting at 8:58 p.m.

Meeting Agenda Date

• February 15, 2022 - 6 p.m., work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

6th monthly meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee 2021 - 2022

• Chair: Jaime Van Echo
• Vice Chair: Beverly Hicks
• Secretary: Katherine Lekbad

Opening of Meeting

• Jamie Van Echo

Call to Order

• Jamie Van Echo
• Approval of January Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper: Smores
• This month: Parent Resource Center
• This Month: Special Education Transportation
• March 15, 2022: Annual Plan
• April 19, 2022: Development of School Board Presentation
• May 17, 2022: Voting New members and Executive Board

Business

• Subcommittee to review and update by-laws: Jamie, Kristie, Rhonda, Katherine. Distribute copies of approved By-Laws to members; Katherine Lekbad (by-laws corrections).
• SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Beverly, Shandel, Tara. Review and report update on mission statement and decision regarding tracking outreach events and member participation.
• Nominating Subcommittee: Angela, Sara, Jamie. Request candidates for chair.
• Annual report Subcommittee: Katherine, Jaime, Bev, Debi.
• PWC-Special Education PTA: Melina Vaikasiene / Janice Soliven
• Parent Resource Center: Rhonda Tabor

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District
• Sarah Pitkin: Coles District
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District
• Angela Comisky: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District
• David Miles: Potomac District
• Jason Rock: Woodbridge District
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative
• Jamie Van Echo: Superintendent Representative
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant

Closing

• Jamie Van Echo

Motion for adjourn: The SEAC is organized and functions in accordance with state and federal requirements. The Committee's functions include the following: monthly meetings with the Director of the Special Education Department; determining needs of children with disabilities within the county; developing priorities and strategies for meeting identified needs of children with disabilities; preparing and submitting an annual report to the Prince William County School Board.

Meeting Minutes, Date/Time

• February 15, 2022, 6 p.m. - Work session for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. - Call to Order

Opening of Meeting

• 7:00 p.m. - Jaime Van Echo

Call to Order

• Jaime Van Echo
• Approval of January minutes
• Motion to approve Minutes made by Beverly Hicks seconded by Deborah Tekampe. Approved.
• Citizen time : 7:01 p.m.
• • Sandra Kern via Zoom - thank you for the opportunity to speak this evening. Want to recognize our special education department and our teachers who are doing so much good with our children. I hope everyone has a good productive safe rest of the year.
  • Janice Soliven - Good evening, I am the current president of SEPTA, we are actively recruiting for next year's executive board. I (Janice) will not be able to run again. Anyone you know who wants to be a strong advocated, has innovating ideas, and wants to engage with the schools, please email president@pwcsepta.org A big part of our organization is to advocate for all students and being a support network between parents/teachers/those with special needs. We have a lot of community events and in general have socialization events and fundraisers. Reach out to me or any board members.
• Citizen Time closed at 7:06 p.m.

Special Education Department

• David Williams: SMORES
  • TTAC - information regarding resources available from TTAC
  • CBI video - CBI is a highlight in the 2025 Strategic Plan
  • Parents as Partners - Saturday, February 26^th- Website available for registration and there are previously recorded sessions from past events that are not repeating this year available to watch. Virtual presentations will follow the event. Expecting over 300 people. Been marketed via online, email, social media.
• Heather Handschin, Supervisor of Bus Operations - PWCS Transportation:
  • Appreciate the opportunity to share our information
  • 7 transportation centers, 919 buses, 2 electric buses to fleet, 11,000 bus stops, 61K students, one-mile boundary walk to stop, provide
  • Here comes the bus - not perfect, it is an app that allows you to see where the bus is. Working to improve it.
  • 30 points checked before a bus stop is created.
  • How to change child's transportation - contact the SCHOOL.
  • What happens if someone leaves something on the bus - drivers hold the items on the bus until the next day, or take to school
  • How do we train new bus drivers - ready to train anyone who is interested. Classes start every two weeks, takes about 4 weeks. 571-402-3868
  • Who do I contact regarding my child's bus - 10 zones, you contact the correct zone - East - 571-374-6591; Central - 571-374-6592; West - 571-374-6593 - These are available online
  • Late bus - dispatch - 571-402-3940
  • No different phone numbers for special needs buses, use the same numbers
  • Vendor car services - not all special needs,
  • Driver shortage - 105 short. Late buses, combining buses, lack of consistency,
  • Communication has been a challenge, we are working with a new system.
  • With 66K students, we move 120K daily - 21.6 M each year. 10.5 M miles.
  • Angela Lello - thank you for coming. Can you restate that info about phone numbers and emails? Can you discuss the second vendor you mentioned?
  • • Transportation Home Page - Second vendor - very limited, breaking news, supplemental vendor (vendors are also suffering from driver shortages) Contact the parents First before transferring a student from the old vendor to the new vendor.
  • David SED - virtual meetings, mention those and talk about it.
  • • Virtual meetings allows us to attend so many more meetings, allows us to get a lot more done in the day. David - you can provide details is what is needed as far as supports on the bus.
  • Janice Solven - do drivers for special education students get any training? Do they learn about our kids.
  • • Handschin - all drivers receive training on autism, CPR, defensive driving, high level of training
  • Darienella - thank you for providing numbers to call and contact. This past year I've had a lot of issues. Is there any other alternative way to support parents when they are in the bind of not knowing when bus will come. We need to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
  • • Handschin - three workgroups working on trying to fix issue, even drivers are involved. If you have a specific questions, please help us build relationships with parents, have them call us.
  • Darienella - can there be aftercare at low cost offered to parents, when there is an issue with the buses.
  • Jennifer Andrew - private transportation company - issues have predated the pandemic, change in drivers, tracker not on, etc. What is the service level agreement with these companies? What is in the contract to say there are expectations? In my own circumstances everything fell through for three weeks. This issue has been going on for quite some time as reported by other parents. What are you putting in the contract to solve these issues? Consistency is really important. It is hard for everyone if that is not working out.
  • • Handschin - trust is important, it was broken for you. We send information and meet weekly to have open communication with this vendor.
    • Emily LePore- Love the question, everything is valid, appreciate the patience. The wonderful part is that new vendor is bringing in ideas that the old vendor is plugging into. Text in evening with name of driver, picture of car, license plate. We meet every week
    • Huebner - these two women are exceptional. Dr. McDade has recognized the issue, looking to bring two additional representatives to deal with parents, more resources will be dedicated. Special education was the big winner in strategic plan and budget. We are putting more language, higher expectations, and making sure the product promised is the product delivered.
  • Shandel Lohr - webpage - you need to check the numbers on the webpage updated. The numbers, the links should be cleaned up. The bus driver shows up like clockwork. I trust that she will get my child were he needs to be. The one thing I've noticed this year, is Forest Park sends out an email about the bus. Can that be spread to other schools? Mimic this for the special needs parents. We (the parents) can help support each other.
  • • Handschin - new positions of liaisons dedicated to sending out communications as soon as we are aware of it.
  • Angela Lello - reimbursement for parents for attendant time - maybe parent could hire another person to transport the student. Consider the time the person actually needs to deliver the child. Took an hour to take my kid to school.
• Ms. Handschin's email: handschb@pwcs.edu
• Webpage for transportation: Transportation webpage
• Parent Resource Center - Rhonda Tabor - Consultant
• • We have some new members on SEAC, don't know if you came to PRC, so we're going to go through the presentations.
  • Positive outcomes for parents
  • Support for parents
  • First floor of KLC, second door on right is the new door
  • 30 years we've been providing service, positive relationships
  • Support, trainings and information
  • Serve students, staff, parents, community partners
  • Support parents through listening to their concerns
  • Educate parents about SE, offer multiple classes throughout the year.
  • Provide school and community-based resources, for example summer camps
  • Maintain free lending library about special education, in English and Spanish. Diets, the law, reading, math
  • Provide workshops in multiple facets with different partners
  • Contact - 703-791-8846; taborrd@pwcs.edu
  • We want information to be dispersed in many different platforms. In person, virtual, online, etc.
  • Library - library.pwcs.edu - has hundreds of resources on autism, look at the list, send an email to Rhonda, she can arrange to have books sent to you.
  • Resources - PEATC, VDOE, PRC, PWCS
  • Upcoming events - always check the PRC calendar
  • PRC works with community partners, cosponsor workshops with ARC, Popups, PTA/PTOs, school openings
  • Served over 3,500 families in the county
  • Want to increase parent participation
  • Reach out to me if you know any parents that need help
  • Jamie - invite Rhonda back next month for questions and recap of parents as partners
• March 15, 2022 - Annual Plan
• April 19, 2022: Development of School Board Presentation
• May 17, 2022 - Voting New members and Executive Board

Business

• Subcommittee to review and update by-laws (Jaime, Kristie, Rhonda, Katherine) Distribute copies of approved By-Laws to members; Katherine Lekbad sent email to all members with copy of bylaws.
• SEAC Outreach and Membership Subcommittee (Beverly, Shandel, Tara) Review and report - see attached draft mission statement and goals/time periods. We will look at this outreach plan next month and vote on it.
• Nominating Subcommittee: (Angela L, Sarah, Jaime, Angela C) Request candidates for Chair.
  • Jaime - Katherine has sent an email saying she would be interested in being chair. We need to find someone for Secretary
  • Angela Comisky needs to reach out to her school board member to let them know the term is ending.
• Annual Report Subcommittee: Review/report
• • Jamie - write report, 7 slide presentation, remake the old report for this year, then make recommendations, work sessions will be at the beginning of March and April.
• PWC-Special Education PTA: Melinda Vaikasiene/Janice Soliven - Jamie - they presented during public comment
• Parent Resource Center: Rhonda Tabor

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr - At -Large: Present - One thing I've heard from some parents is the desire to create social clubs in all regions. Also shared Parents and Partners on social media and there was a lot of interests. At some point, let's talk about related services that have not or did not happen yet.
• Beverly Hicks - Brentsville District: Present - Yields her time
• Sarah Pitkin - Coles District :Absent
• Deborah Tekampe - Gainesville District: Present - Really cool unified basketball thing - end of season celebrations competed against other schools and more students attend these unified games then regular games.
• Angela Comisky - Neabsco District: Present - Yields her time
• Angel Lello - Occoquan District : Present Via Zoom - Yields her time
• David Miles - Potomac District: Absent
• Jason Rock - Woodbridge District: Absent
• Katherine Lekbad- Teacher Representative: Present - Yields her time
• Jennifer Andrew- Superintendent Representative: Present - Yields her time
• Tara Aqdas - Superintendent Representative : Present - A parent had a positive outcome from central office review (COR)
• Darianella Baret - Superintendent Representative : Present Via Zoom - Yields her time
• Jaime Van Echo - Superintendent Representative: Present - GMU see email; Cindy Buckely former SEAC chair Tracy Morgan is a new TTAC coordinator see email williamsd@pwcs.edu discussion on project search
• Rhonda Tabor - Consultant: Present - Spoke during business; send me questions so I have the data next time
• Kristie Bowie Young - Consultant: Present via Zoom - Yields her time

Closing

• Jaime Van Echo 8:55
• Motion to adjourn moved by Katherine, seconded by Tara

Meeting Agenda Date

• January 18, 2022 - 6 p.m., work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

5th annual meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee 2021 - 2022

• Chair: Jaime Van Echo
• Vice Chair: Beverly Hicks
• Secretary: Katherine Lekbad

Opening of Meeting

• Jamie Van Echo

Call to Order

• Jamie Van Echo
• Approval of December Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper: Smores
• This month: Update on SEAC Outreach
• Next Month: Parent Resource Center

Business

• Subcommittee to review and update by-laws: Jamie, Kristie, Rhonda, Katherine. Distribute copies of approved By-Laws to members; Katherine Lekbad (by-laws corrections).
• SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Beverly, Shandel, Tara. Review and report.
• Nominating Subcommittee: Angela, Sara, Jamie. Request candidates for chair.
• Annual report Subcommittee: Review/ report.
• PWC-Special Education PTA: Melina Vaikasiene / Janice Soliven
• Parent Resource Center: Rhonda Tabor

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District
• Sarah Pitkin: Coles District
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District
• Angela Comisky: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District
• David Miles: Potomac District
• Jason Rock: Woodbridge District
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative
• Jamie Van Echo: Superintendent Representative
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant

Closing

• Jamie Van Echo

Motion for adjourn: The SEAC is organized and functions in accordance with state and federal requirements. The Committee's functions include the following: monthly meetings with the Director of the Special Education Department; determining needs of children with disabilities within the county; developing priorities and strategies for meeting identified needs of children with disabilities; preparing and submitting an annual report to the Prince William County School Board.

Meeting Minutes, Date/Time

• January 18, 2022, 7 p.m. - Kelly Leadership Center

Opening of Meeting

• 7:00 p.m. - Jaime Van Echo

Call to Order

• Jaime Van Echo
• December minutes approved
• Motion to approve the minutes made by Angela Lello, seconded David Miles
• Citizen time : 7:02 p.m. - No citizens chose to speak, no citizens present to speak
• Citizen Time closed at 7:03 p.m.

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper: 7:03 p.m.
• SMORES - Online newsletter. Link sent to SEAC members.
  • Check the SMORES to list issues
  • Project Search - Discussed the program and said if we knew of students who would be interested, please have them contact SED.
  • Looking to replicate this within PWCS.
• Associate Superintendent Heubner
  • Strategic plan, the School Board, and the Superintendent are all supportive of special education - the caseloads in KLC are very high too.
  • Budget is looking good as well - addressed what we need in the schools, yet we cannot help people in schools if we don't have the staff in schools.
  • We have identified starts and stops - very happy with Roper's work on budget; it is comprehensive; optimistic about it the outcome.
• Update on SEAC Outreach
  • We will talk about this during outreach subcommittee.

Business

Subcommittee to review and update By-laws: Jamie Van Echo, Kristie Bowie-Young, Rhonda Tabor, Katherine Lekbad

• Katherine - presented 5 edits to the SEAC bylaws - see attachment for specific details
  • Motion to approve edits made by Katheine Lekbad, seconded by Tara Aqdas. Unanimous approval.
• Recommendations to create a second Vice Chair as listed in State SEAC bylaws. The current PWCS SEAC Vice Chair does not see the need to have a second Vice Chair, Chair Van Echo agrees - no need.
  • Motion to leave the Vie Chair for PWCS SEAC as it is mad by Beverly Hicks, seconded by Katherine. Motion passed.
• Two questions passed to the Chair regarding language in meetings and quorum. No changes made.

SEAC Outreach and Membership Subcommittee: Shandel Lohr, Tara Aqdas and Beverly Hicks.

• Beverly - when we started the outreach planning we thought of different goals for the outreach that we are trying to accomplish:
  • SEAC - gain membership
  • Raise awareness of SEAC
• Target for district reps- are they making their presence and ability known to each school in the district - in the next 3 months plan to outreach to administration and special education lead/chair to each school in district
• Target meetings that are important to SEAC - what organizations do we want to have presence within:
  • Transition Fair
  • SEPTA
  • Parents as Partners
  • Facebook Group with SEPTA
  • Benton/ Coles / Colgan Facebook Page
  • PTA meetings at schools
  • Principal advisory committees
  • Circle of Support - ARC
  • Autism Society of Northern Virginia Walk
  • Special Olympics (Rosanne Stern)
• Tara is willing to attend events. Suggests principal advisory committees.
• We need to get volunteers to show up to
  • Man a SEAC table in the Transition Fair, PRC puts it on and there is a booth open for SEAC.
• Dr. Roper - any event that SED does, there is a booth available for SEAC.
• Jaime - SEPTA - meet and greets online or in person, we need to remain connected to SEPTA>
• Deborah Tekampe - I have attended two Principal's Advisory committees. Deborah will help Beverly with the goals / mission statement.
• Volunteers - Historically there have been two shifts,
  • Transition March 26, 2022 (12 -3 p.m.)
    • Tara Aqdas
    • Jennifer Andrew
    • Jaime Van Echo
  • Parent as Partners, February 26, 2022
    • 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. (Tara Aqdas, Katherine Lekbad)
    • 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Darienella, Deborah Tekampe)
  • SEPTA - Daytime hangout Jan/Feb and end of year
    • Jaime will send out information, if we all join the Facebook page, we'll know if and when to go
  • DIP - 3 days after school gets out (SEPTA / SEAC table)
    • Katherine Lekbad, as possible
    • Tara Aqdas, as possible
  • Quarterly Special Education Meetings - SED - Roper - The first one would be the best. Final meeting will be in person.
    • May 2, 2022 - Beverly Hicks, Tara Aqdas, Katherine Lekbad
• SEAC outreach Flier presented by Shandel Lohr. Needs to be approved by the SED.
  • Jaime showed us a "pop up" that we had used prior.
  • Roper - Need to get it checked out for accessibility and approval. There is also another flier - we can combine both - have meeting dates on one side and contact information on the other side.
  • Jaime will send another tri-fold brochure to Shandel to update.
  • Roper - Please be aware there will be a lag in time before you see the new flyers in the parent packet.
  • Tara- Discussion to how to get information out to Principals. Heubner - we won't be able to send everything to principals via mass mail. We can do social media.
• Jaime - She has made a folder accessible for older files for us to access.
• Shandel - Do we capture any metrics for results. Jaime - Yes, we do want to capture what we are doing. We can then give it to the School Board.

Nominating Subcommittee: Sarah Pitkin, Angela Comisky, Jaime Van Echo

• Katherine said she is willing to continue as secretary
• Beverly is willing to continue as Vice Chair - but she would be happy to hand it off
• Jaime is putting it out there NOW! If you are interested in being an officer, contact anyone on the Nominating Subcommittee.

Annual Report Subcommittee: Deborah Tekampe, Jaime Van Echo, Katherine Lekbad, Beverly Hicks

• Nothing to report. We will meet during the next work week session.
• Add SEPTA to the email distribution List.

PWCS - Special Education PTA(SEPTA): Melina Vaikasiene / Janice Soliven, PWCS SEPTA

• Melina and Janice were not able to come
• Teacher grants still available
• Working on date to hang out for Jan/ Feb
• Meaning to talk with Roper

Consultant - Parent Resource Center: PRC

• Not able to attend but she wants you to know
  • Upcoming workshops
  • resources
  • Check out the website for PRC!!

NEW BUSINESS

• No new business

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr - At -Large: Present - Yields her time
• Beverly Hicks - Brentsville District: Present - Yields her time
• Sarah Pitkin - Coles District : Present Via Zoom - yields her time
• Deborah Tekampe - Gainesville District: Present - Yields her time
• Angela Comisky - Neabsco District: Absent
• Angel Lello - Occoquan District : Present - Transportation is an issue for some parents in Occoquan district - all have trans listed as related service, all have complaints, all don't know how to resolve. When they call transportation they don't get anywhere, they are told there is a shortage of staff. Parents have had to provide their own transportation. ALC private contract - many parents who have private day placement don't have good service, yet it is better than the school district.
  • Roper - we work closely with SPED Trans (Emily, Heather, Shirely) -
    • Perhaps they can come to the next session to answer questions.
    • Transportation for private day - there is going to be a new company.
    • PWCS are required to reimburse parents who end up providing transportation.
    • What the parent should do is work with the cluster coordinator to get good contact numbers.
    • There will be focus group with parents regarding transportation. If it is written on the IEP and we don't provide the service, and the parent provides it, PWCS reimburses the mileage, that comes out of division funds.
    • Parents will need to fill out paperwork with Central Office to become a vendor.
    • Tell parents to contact the special ed cluster coordinator, then they will work with transportation.
• David Miles - Potomac District: Present : one of the issues is could parents find out in advance when the bus is not coming so they can use alternate ways to get kids to school. The problem is not knowing if it will come or not. Parents want to be helpful and work against the schools.
  • Huebner - the customer service we have received from transportation is outstanding
    • I know you are not seeing that. We are thrilled to keep our doors open.
    • Our staff is going into schools to sub. There are huge difficulties in staffing - for example, out of 100 staff members, 25 are out due to COVID. They try to notify parents.
    • On behalf of the division, I am sorry. If there is a safety issue, please bring it to our attention immediately.
  • Talk about ALC as a company to help with alternate placement.
  • Shandel - Forest Park is doing well. Heubner replies - that is good to hear and let us know what is working.
  • Roper - Transportation will be at the SEAC meeting next month - February 15.
• Jason Rock - Woodbridge District: Absent
• Katherine Lekbad- Teacher Representative: Present - Follow up with Dr. Roper on the teacher survey. She referred me to Dr. Tim Neal - I should reach out to him regarding the Teacher Survey.
• Jennifer Andrew- Superintendent Representative: Present - Yields her time
• Tara Aqdas - Superintendent Representative : Present: There are a lot of people not knowing what to expect sometimes, so she tells them to come to SEAC to voice their concerns. People are frustrated because they feel that they are not being heard. If we could emulate a positive attitude and get motivated to be happy about what is going right.
• Darianella Baret - Superintendent Representative : Present Via Zoom: Yields her time
• Jaime Van Echo - Superintendent Representative: Present - please do not open emails that do NOT SAY SEAC!! If it doesn't say SEAC, it's not from me. She will NOT ask you for gift cards. I am putting out on FaceBook, Twitter that we are here. Use your social media to get us out there.
• Rhonda Tabor - Consultant: Absent
• Kristie Bowie Young - Consultant: Present - For those who don't know she works in the Independence Empowerment Center - we can help people with disabilities and their families.
  • Those having difficulties paying bills
  • Kristie can help get you money for paying electric or gas -Dominion / Novec
  • Email: Kristie Young

Closing

• 8:43 p.m. - Motion to close meeting made by Beverly Hicks, seconded by David Miles

Meeting Agenda Date

• 6:00 p.m. - Work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. - Call to order

Meeting Outcome

4th annual meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee

• Chair: Jaime Van Echo
• Vice Chair: Beverly Hicks
• Secretary: Katherine Lekbad

Opening of Meeting

• Jamie Van Echo

Call to Order

• Jamie Van Echo
• Approval of November Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper: Smores
• Next Month: Special Education Indicators: Special Education Data Collection (VDOE)
• Next Month: Update and SEAC Outreach

Business

• SEAC members recommendations for the State SEAC Special Education Indicators FFY 2020 - 2025 SPP / APR Target Setting Survey
• Subcommittee to review and update by-laws (Jamie, Kristie, Rhonda, Katherine). Distribute copies of approved By-Laws to members.
• SEAC Outreach and Membership Subcommittee (Beverly, Shandel, Tara). Review and Report.
• Nominating Subcommittee: Angela, Sara, Jamie
• Annual Report Subcommittee: Appointments/ volunteers
• PWC - Special Education PTA: Melina Vaikasiene / Janice Soliven
• Parent Resource Center: Rhonda Tabor

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District
• Sarah Pitkin: Coles District
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District
• Angela Comisky: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District
• David Miles: Potomac District
• Jason Rock: Woodbridge District
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative
• Jaime Van Echo - Superintendent Representative
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant

Closing

• Jamie Van Echo

Meeting Minutes, Date/Time

• December 14, 2021 7pm - Kelly Leadership Center

Opening of Meeting

• 7:01 p.m. - Jaime Van Echo

Call to Order

• Jaime Van Echo
• November minutes approved
• Motion to approve the minutes made by Beverly Hicks, seconded Katherine Lekbad
• Citizen time : No citizens chose to speak

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper: 8:20 p.m. - Link to this report is at the bottom of the SMORES
• SMORES - Online newsletter. Link sent to SEAC members.
  • TTAC - Great documents with live links to excellent resources
  • Battlefield HS - Video on Employ classes
  • Inclusive practices Highlight for Special Education administrators - New book
  • Leesylvania ES - Inclusive Spirit Week - Examples of what the ES for inclusive school week
  • Parent Involvement Survey Link on SMORES
  • Special Education Department Hosts Monthly Professional Learning for Special Education Teachers - Started a few years ago. Monthly by region - Doing it virtually. Getting a lot of positive feedback and the attendance is huge.
  • Indicators - Link to VDOE website with descriptions of indicators and link to the PWCS 2016 report
  • Katherine forwarded the link to the SMORES to everyone

Business

• SEAC members recommendations for the States SEAC Special Education Indicators FFY 2020-2025 SPP/APR Target Setting Survey
• Indicator 1 - Graduation - Deborah Tekampe
  • Annual increase of 1%
• Indicator 2 - Dropout Rates - Beverly Hicks
  • Reporting of dropout rates has not been the same across the USA, hard to compare; report using option 1
  • Annual decrease of 0.50% with the idea of also adjusting for new metric
• Indicator 3 - Statewide Assessment - Jennifer Andrew
  • 3a - Participation -Yes
  • 3b - Proficiency - Targets increase - Keep same for consecutive years
  • 3b - Apply to ELA/Math - Yes
    • English - 52% - Keep consistent until accommodations improve
    • Math - 48% - Keep consistent until accommodations improve
    • Accommodations of additional time or computer adaptive can make students more frustrated
  • 3c - Alternate standards - Annual increase of 0.5%
  • 3c - ASOL - Apply to ELA / Math - Yes
  • 3d - Gap in Proficiency - Decrease of 0.5% per year
  • 3d - Apply to ELS/Math - Yes
• Indicator 4 - Compliance - Jason Rock
  • Since its compliance, no input needed
• Indicator 5 - Education Environments - David Miles
  • 5a - 80% of the day - Keep it the same with the comment of what students would actually be able to be included, take a look at the supports to make it feasible and academically productive. State target 70%, PWCS 64%, National 64%
  • 5b - In less tan 40% of the day - State 8%, PWCS 13.18%. LRE is not the same for each student
  • 5c - Keep it the same
• Indicator 6 - Preschool Environment - Jason Rock
  • Keep the same for all of them 6a, b, c
• Indicator 7 - Preschool Outcome - Deborah Tekampe
  • Keep it all the same
  • a - Continue for original baseline
  • b - Same for consecutive years
  • c - Same for consecutive years
• Indicator 8 - Facilitated parent involvement - Darienella Baret
  • Continue the annual increase of 2% AND report different ways of representativeness. The state would like to capture a larger representative sample. Possibly by region in the state. Current reported representativeness in the state by race (race of the child), by primary disability, and by grade level.
  • See attached files for more information
• Indicator 13 - Secondary Focused IEP - Katherine Lekbad
  • start to report at 14
  • LEAs must report the community agencies recommended to the family in the IEP, Transition specialist be required at all IEP meetings from the age of 14
• Indicator 14 - Post Secondary outcome - Sarah Pitkin
  • 14a - Higher education - Keep the same
  • 14b - HE or other comp employ - Keep the same
  • 14c - HE comp/ employ / training - Increase by 0.5%
• Indicator 15 - Resolution Process -
  • Range of 34 - 39%
• Indicator 16 - Mediation Agreements -
  • Range of 80 - 84%
• Indicator 17 - State Systemic Improvement Plan
  • Improving graduation rate - 100% yes!
  • Targets aligned with - Federal graduation indicator
• SEAC Outreach and Membership Subcommittee: Shandel Lohr, Tara Aqdas and Beverly Hicks
  • Plan being worked on; starting with a structure of four targets with the idea of different types of representatives in different locations to reaching out to school and attend meetings.
  • Shandel made a good one pager - We'll see it next month Rhonda - questions - for send invitation to sign up for events to Jaime and Beverly - send to both
  • Beverly - Be prepared with calendars for next meeting to commit to attending events
  • Jaime - It is important that we have this subcommittee - even just having a one pager is good. It's excellent that we have the subcommittee going.
• Nominating Subcommittee: Sarah Pitkin and Angela Comisky
  • No meeting today. We will need to meet next month during committee meeting times 6 - 7 p.m.
• Annual Report Subcommittee:
  • Jaime - we need to take the information that is written in the minutes and compile it into a report,. Who will volunteer?
    • Deborah Tekampe - Edit
    • Jaime Van Echo - Present
    • Katherine Lekbad - Write
    • Beverly Hicks - Present
• Add SEPTA to email distribution list
• Consultant - Rhonda Tabor Parent Resource Center
  • Finalizing Parents as Partners - at Colgan 2/26, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Transition Fair March 26, Registration open in February.
  • A lot of workshops are coming up - Close to ten workshops a month.
  • Financial Planning - Coming up
  • PRC website will help parents better advocate for their students.
  • Jaime - Do you have a vendor fair form? Rhonda - If you want to participate, let Rhonda know. We invite who we want to come.
  • Jaime - Questions - Budget coming up - Is there any money not coming your way that we should advocate for? Rhonda - We are good

Member Time

•  
• Shandel Lohr- At-Large: Present - Had to leave early
• Beverly Hicks - Brentsville District: Present - Yielded her time
• Sarah Pitkin - Coles District: Present - Via Zoom; had to leave early
• Deborah Tekampe-Gainesville District: Present - Yielded her time
• Angela Comisky - Neabsco District: Present - Yielded her time
• Angela Lello - Occoquan District: Absent
• David Miles - Potomac District: Present - Yielded his time
• Jason Rock - Woodbridge District: Absent
• Katherine Lekbad- Teacher Representative: Present - Yielded her time
• Jennifer Andrew- Superintendent Representative: Present - Was able to meet with Dr. Roper - it would be nice to have a roadmap or FAQ for parents who go from public schools to private placement
  • Roper - We want to do focus groups, including Jennifer and put one pager together
  • Jaime - Keep bringing it up
• Tara Aqdas - Superintendent Representative : Absent
• Darianella Baret - Superintendent Representative : Absent
• Jaime Van Echo - Superintendent Representative: Present - Yielded her time
• Rhonda Tabor - Consultant: Present - Comments above
• Kristie Bowie Young - Consultant: Absent

• * Absences were excused for this meeting due to last minute date change for the Winter Break.

Closing

• 9:02 p.m. - Motion to close meeting made by David Miles, seconded Deborah Tekampe.

Meeting Agenda Date

• 6:30 p.m. - Work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. - Call to order

Meeting Outcome

3rd annual meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee

• Chair: Jaime Van Echo
• Vice Chair: Beverly Hicks
• Secretary: Katherine Lekbad

Opening of Meeting

• Jamie Van Echo

Call to Order

• Jamie Van Echo
• Approval of October Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper: Smores
• Critical Decision Points: VAAP/VSEP
• Next Month: Special Education Indicators: Special Education Data Collection (VDOE)

Business

• Subcommittee to review and update by-laws (Jamie, Kristie, Rhonda, Katherine). Distribute copies of approved By-Laws to members.
• SEAC Outreach and Membership Subcommittee (Beverly, Shandel, Tara). Review and Report.
• Nominating Subcommittee: Angela, Sara, Jamie
• New Business Welcome Members:
  • Angela Lello - Occoquan Rep.
  • David Miles - Potomac Rep.
  • Jason Rock - Woodbridge Rep.
  • Darianella Baret - Superintendent Rep.
  • Jennifer Andrew - Superintendent Rep.
• PWC-Special Education PTA: Melina Vaikasiene / Janice Soliven
• Parent Resource Center: Rhonda Tabor

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr: At-Large
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District
• Sarah Pitkin: Coles District
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District
• Angela Comisky: Neabsco District
• Angela Lello: Occoquan District
• David Miles: Potomac District
• Jason Rock: Woodbridge District
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative
• Jennifer Andrew: Superintendent Representative
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative
• Darianella Baret: Superintendent Representative
• Jaime Van Echo - Superintendent Representative
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant

Closing

• Jamie Van Echo

Meeting Minutes, Date/Time

• November 16, 2021 7 p.m. - Kelly Leadership Center

Opening of Meeting

• 7:01 p.m. - Jamie Van Echo

Call to Order

• Jamie Van Echo
• October minutes approved
• Motion to approve the minutes: Beverly, seconded by Katherine Lekbad
• Citizen time :
  • No citizens chose to speak
• 7:07 p.m. - Citizen's time closed

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper: SMORES - department name changes instead of OSE, we are now SED just as a heads up. Special Education Department.
• SMORES - online newsletter. Link sent to SEAC members.
• • Family engagement month
  • Critical decision points are part of the parent packet, at IEP meetings and on the website
  • Changes to the VAAP - beginning with 2021-22 SY the VAAP will be replaced with a new multi point assessment for the content areas. SED has monthly meetings with teachers who are doing these assessments.
  • • JLARC report led to some of these changes that we are seeing.
    • Ron from SED joined us and explained a little more about the VAAP change - VESOL assessment, on computer; math reading, science. History/social studies/writing still in old method of portfolio.
    • Debby asked if there is a negative impact for the school if parents opt out of it. Roper - I don't believe there is an impact. If it is in the IEP, you would discuss if the election not to do it is going to have an impact on the student.
    • Jamie - there is a 1% cap on our students with disabilities who require that alternative curriculum and assessment. This cap is set by federal government.
    • Ron - history assessments will be a collection of evidence, scored in schools based on SOLs. Not administered at the 9th grade this year.
  • School psychologist awareness week as last week. The number of school psychologist positions has gone up to 70.
  • National Inclusive Schools Week in December - there will be some events in the division.
  • WSHS - Community based instruction is up and running again.
• Jamie - sent the link to the SMORE to everyone
• Next month we will be discussing the indicators. The information regarding indicators will be released at the beginning of December. We can also give input as to what SEAC recommends those indicators should be.
  • Survey sent to parents - questions are on the survey for each indicator
  • Should SEAC submit input. Yes.
  • Motion made to divvy up indicators for review Beverly Hicks; seconded by David Miles. Motion passed.
  • Divvy up:
  • Debby - indicator 1
  • Darienella - indicator 8
  • Beverly Hicks - indicator 2
  • Jennifer Andrew - indicator 3
  • Jason Rock - indicator 4
  • David Miles - indicator 5
  • Jason Rock - indicator 6
  • Debby - indicator 7
  • Angela Lello - indicators 9 /10
  • Tara Aqdas - indicator 11
  • Jamie - indicator 12
  • Katherine - indicator 13
  • Sarah Pitikin - indicator 14
  • Bring what you think your input should be to the December meeting.
  • Jamie will send video and link to indicators page on VDOE, and link to the survey.

Business

• Subcommittee to Review and update By-Laws: Jaime Van Echo, Kristie Bowie-Young, Rhonda Tabor, Katherine Lekbad
  • Katherine will send a link to an ecopy of bylaws and hard copies in December.
• SEAC Outreach and membership Subcommittee: Shandel Lohr, Tara Aqdas and Beverly Hicks
  • Flyers in backpacks
  • Meet with Parent resource center
  • What is the message, why are we doing outreach?
  • Jaime Van Echo - historically made PPT and go out to PTA meetings, being available, not just a complaint; regularly go to events the PRC does (transition fair in March)
  • Angela Lello - outreach should be about determining the needs of children with disabilities, what do teachers need, what should the priorities and strategies be to meet those needs
  • Tara Aqdas - trying to get opinions from parents, teachers, and administrators - it's been difficult, the one thing I've found is that people want to be heard. I want people to know it is a good place to voice their opinion and needs. Maybe even a physical meeting at the schools
  • Debby Tekampe- Maybe we could be sure that a special ed parent could be one each school advisory committee
  • Dr. Roper - Parents as Partners conference is in person this year. There will be a space for SEAC at that event. Circle of Support will be virtual. The Transition Fair will be in person as well.
  • Jamie Van Echo: Came up with an action plan
  • • Things that we can do as individuals and as a group
    • Bring it to the next meeting
    • Rossana Stern - historically what I found the most effective as a SEAC member for outreach-
    • • Vice chair and chair, they went to the special ed updates quarterly, introduced ourselves so there was recognition
      • Then reach out to the special ed director or lead teacher of the school to let them know who we were.
      • The hardest thing was to get the school administrators to know who we were.
    • Dr. Roper - our SEAC flyer is in the parent packet - we are welcome to come to a Special Education Update - face to face time with special education administrators from each building.
• Nominating Subcommittee: Sarah Pitkin and Angela Comiskey
• • No meeting today
• New Business:
• • Jamie - Welcome to our new members! This is the first time SEAC is full!!
  • • Angela Lello - Occoquan District - two sons with autism, wanted to be on SEAC to give back to the PWCS community and make sure to help share the needs she sees in her corner
    • David Mills - Potomac District - grandson with autism, didn't know about SEAC. Justin Wilks told my daughter, and I really want to be able to help the community, not just my grandson. I want to use this as the vehicle to be here.
    • Jason Rock - Woodbridge District - been working with special needs children for 5 years. Private in home services. Wife is the chair of the social and racial justice committee.
    • Darienella Baret - Superintendent Representative - has a daughter with special needs, she's an ESOL teacher, it's important to give back, being hands on in the process to make the change for our most vulnerable population.
    • Jennifer Andrew - Superintendent Representative - two children, one with special needs, both have had very good experiences in PWCS, wants to help with children that are hard to keep engaged, it will help her understand all the things that go into the business of education.
  • Jaime PWC-SEPTA
  • • Sensory time at pools
    • SEPTA needs volunteers!

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr- At-Large: Absent- trouble with flights
• Beverly Hicks - Brentsville: Present - trying to attend some events, Victory Elementary did a chalk walk and one of the coolest inclusive events that she's seen in a long time.
• Sarah Pitkin - Coles District: Present - nothing to report, went to an IEP over Zoom it went well still hiring form Didlake
• Deborah Tekampe-Gainesville District: Present - a bunch of the schools have started buddy programs they seem to be successful.
• Angela Comisky - Neabsco District: it's come to my attention that some kids require nurses and if for some reason the nurse calls out the child can't go to school. There's no back up nurses. I don't know where to address.
  • Dr. Roper - there are different ways to get a nurse, some are from the parent, some are from the school (health treatment plan). Nursing Agencies are supposed to have back up. If there is no nurse, the student can't attend safely. Typically it is something life threatening. You should have an IEP meeting to discuss compensatory services. Schools have multiple agencies that they have agreements with. Each student has one specific agency, so a replacement should come from the same agency.
  • Global concern that the nursing companies are doing their due diligence in finding substitute nurses so students can maintain attendance.
• Angela Lello - Occoquan District: Present - President nominated a person to serve in the office of special education and rehab services. Head of special education at the national Department of Education.
• David Miles - Potomac District: Present - yielded his time.
• Jason Rock - Woodbridge District: Present - yielded his time.
• Katherine Lekbad- Teacher Representative: Present - Yielded her time
• Jennifer Andrew- Superintendent Representative: Present - yielded her time.
• Tara Aqdas- Superintendent Representative: Present - what I've noticed from all parents, admin and teachers is that people are feeling very disconnected and not knowing about SEAC and feeling unappreciated. It's easy for folks to get stuck in their silos and feel isolated. I want to find a way to bring everyone together so they don't feel like they are doing it alone. While we are adapting to COVID, we need to get everyone to give their input. When you do sit down, acknowledge their concerns and feelings and let them know you see their perspective.
• Darianella Baret- Superintendent Representative: - about two weeks ago I went to Belair - a global school - they had a great activity, they made planters around the school. Very inclusive activity, ED students had an area, parents were involved. General education, special education, autism class, everyone was included. They include everyone. Many in attendance, the school staff were turning people away.
• Jaime Van Echo-Superintendent Representative: Present - there is a crazy iPad update, tech is going wonky - it is an issue in Jaime's personal/professional world; there have been concerns about related services they are feeling overwhelmed, sad, losing hope.
  • Dr. Roper - spoke to SLP head - a lot of vacancies and resignations before the school started. No people left for in person - we are looking at virtual providers. It requires a special certification, the board to process the requests for certificate is overwhelmed. When one person resigns we have to reshuffle all schools. We need to do something every few weeks to create cheer.
  • There has been some really cool inclusive stuff at Colgan. A dinner for Homecoming, general ed students and special education students went together. Weekly outings into the community. Weekly zoom meetings. The principal is the only reason this is happening.
  • Jaime sent an email to everyone - make sure you respond.
• Rhonda Tabor- Consultant: Present- Transition Fair will be March 26; Parents as Partners will be Feb 26; Circle of Support - online/25 videos to access, you can view the recording of the presentation. Zoom meeting "A Parent's Guide to 504s in Public Schools" we had two just today. December 16, Functional Behavioral Plan FBAIP; December 14, Dr. Roper presenting; new members of SEAC, if a parent contacts you let them know about the Parent Resource Center.
• Kristie Bowie Young - Consultant : Absent

Closing

• 8:49 p.m. Motion to close meeting made by Katherine Lekbad, seconded by Jason Rock.

Meeting Agenda Date

• October 19, 2021 6 p.m., work sessions for subcommittees
• 7 p.m. Call to Order

Meeting Outcome

2nd annual meeting of the Prince William County Special Education Advisory Committee

• Chair: Jaime Van Echo
• Vice Chair: Beverly Hicks
• Secretary: Katherine Lekbad

Opening of Meeting

• Jamie Van Echo

Call to Order

• Jamie Van Echo
• Approval of September Minutes
• Citizen Time: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment. It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper: Smores
• Kim Legault: Early Intervention / Child Find
• Next Month: Critical Decision Points - VAAP / VSEP

Business

• Subcommittee to review and update by-laws (Jamie, Kristie, Rhonda, Katherine). Go over information from Erik Carlsen-Landy, Office of Division Council. Including the "Membership Participation in Meetings by Electronic communication SEAC" and By Laws 2021, approved by Division Counsel.
• SEAC Outreach and Membership Committee: Beverly, Shandel, Tara
• Nominating Subcommittee: Angela, Sara, Jamie
• PWC-Special Education PTA: Melina Vaikasiene / Janice Soliven
• Parent Resource Center: Rhonda Tabor

Member Time

• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative
• Jaime Van Echo: Superintendent Representative:
• Shandel Lohr: At-Large:
• Beverly Hicks: Brentsville District,
• Sarah Pitkin: Coles District:
• Deborah Tekampe: Gainesville District:
• Angela Comisky: Neabsco District:
• Brandi Workman: Potomac District:
• Shelly Witte: Woodbridge District
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative
• Vacant-Occoquan District (Justin Caron fill-in)
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant
• Vacant-Superintendent Representative
• Vacant-Superintendent Representative

Closing

• Jamie Van Echo

The SEAC is organized and functions in accordance with state and federal requirements. The Committee's functions include the following: monthly meetings with the Director of the Special Education Department; determining needs of children with disabilities within the county; developing priorities and strategies for meeting identified needs of children with disabilities; preparing and submitting an annual report to the Prince William County School Board.

Meeting Minutes, Date/Time

• October 19, 2021 7 p.m. - Kelly Leadership Center

Opening of Meeting

• 7:02 p.m. - Jamie Van Echo

Call to Order

• Jamie Van Echo
• September minutes approved
• Motion to approve the minutes: Katherine Lekbad and seconded by Angela Comiskey
• Citizen time :
  • No public comment at this time
• 7:08 p.m. - Citizen's time closed

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper: Director of Special Education department was not present due to illness, Parent Resource Center presented on her behalf
  • Rhonda Tabor of PRC gave the remarks
  • SMORES newsletter : Shared that there was an Autism Walk.
  • October is Dyslexia Awareness Month
  • This Thursday there are three sessions for dyslexia awareness
  • See the Special Education website for details
  • Parents as Partners Conference at Colgan High School on February 26, 2022
  • School psychologist week in November
• Presentation From Special Education: Associate Superintendent of Special Education Huebner shared that super me with Dr. Michelle Roper. Dr. McDade is very interested in the dyslexia
• Ms. Kim Legault: Supervisor of Child find
  • Gave an overview of how Preschool Child Find screens children from the community to identify if the student should be tested to determine eligibility for special education
  • Children that are determined to be eligible can receive services in a school based setting or community based setting
  • They encourage parents to participate in the meetings, in fact parents are participating in the majority of the meetings
  • When parents are more involved, they understand more about what Child find is doing
  • Woodbine Preschool Center - Child Find and IPOP Teachers- These teachers go out into the community to provide services
  • Inclusive opportunities for preschoolers
  • Will start social groups for children that were not found eligible
  • Rhonda let us know that the PRC has information regarding Child Find

Business

• Subcommittee to Review and update By-Laws: Jaime Van Echo, Kristie Bowie-Young, Rhonda Tabor, Katherine Lekbad
  • Went over the bylaws approved in May and made a few changes
  • Review of the bylaws with legal counsel present. Discussion of the issue of the logistic and technical difficulties of having video conferencing. Accessibility is a critical issue that must be addressed. Discussion of putting specifics in bylaws that the secretary be responsible as an online facilitator for technical aspects of virtual meetings, or a member that is appointed by the chair if the secretary is not available
  • Motion to adopt changes to the bylaws provided by the legal counsel and SEAC members discussion and add language to the bylaws - Katherine Lekbad, seconded by Shandel Lohr
  • Motion passes by unanimous vote
• SEAC Outreach and membership Subcommittee: Shandel Lohr, Tara Aqdas and Beverly Hicks
  • Shandel Lohr: Shared the discussion of outreach to the schools, advocating to have special education on the principal's advisory counsel. Suggest:
    • A newsletter distributed to special needs families
    • Life after school mentorship at KLC
    • Police officers visit the schools disability training/ interaction with people with disabilities
    • Meet and greet suggested
    • Widespread buddy clubs
    • Shortages: How can SEAC support schools during this difficult period
  • Jamie Van Echo: Came up with an action plan
• Nominating Subcommittee: Sarah Pitkin and Angela Comiskey
  • No meeting today
• Annual Report to school board: All members
  • No meeting today
• PWCS-SEPTA report-- Melinda Vaikasiene - PWCS SEPTA
  • Jamie Van Echo - Janice Soliven is the president again, officers are the same. If you know of anyone who wants to be an advocate, send them to SEPTA
• Parent Resource Center: Rhonda Tabor - Parent Resource Center
  • Circle of Support is free this year. Every parent should register
  • Shared various resources, contact Rhonda for information
• New Business:
  • No new business

Member Time

• Shandel Lohr - At Large: Present - yielded her time
• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Representative: Present
• Deborah Tekampe - Gainesville District: Present - Gainesville HS is partnering up with other HS to schedule dances. ES's are starting strong coffee carts
• Katherine Lekbad - Teacher Representative: Present - Special Education staff are feeling great del of stress and pressure of being in the classroom. Asked KLC to look at ways to support staff. Ms. Huebner acknowledged that they are hearing us and aware of issues n the schools
• Rhonda Tabor - Consultant: Present - yields her time
• Jaime Van Echo-Superintendent Representative: Present
• Jennifer Andrew, Darianella - Superintendent Representatives
• Jason Rock - Woodbridge District (as of 11/02/2021): Present as guest
• Angela Lello - Occoquan District (As of 11/03/2021): Absent, was invited as guest
• Beverly Hicks - Brentsville District: Absent, Family member ill
• Sarah Pitkin- Coles District: Absent
• Angela Comiskey - Neabsco District: Present - nothing to report
• Vacant - Potomac District
• Vacant-Superintendent Representative
• Vacant-Superintendent Representative

Closing

• 9:10 p.m. Motion to close meeting made by Katherine Lekbad, seconded by Deborah Tekampe

Meeting Agenda Date

• September 21, 2021

Meeting Outcome

• Participants will review important items pertaining to the work of the council for the 2021 - 22 school year.

Opening of Meeting

• Jamie Van Echo

Call to Order

• Approval of May 2021 Minutes: At every meeting of the SEAC, an opportunity is provided for visitors to make public comment.
• It is received without SEAC comment.
• The public comment is summarized in the SEAC meeting minutes.
• The SEAC is always looking for ideas and suggestions from students, parents and teachers that will improve the education of children with disabilities.
• The SEAC requests that any concerns expressed include general comments dealing with global issues rather than a specific comment dealing with a personal matter or situation.
• The Committee suggests that you address concerns about personal situations directly to the Special Education Department.
• In accordance with HIPAA regulations, please refrain from using the names of students, teachers, or schools.

Please use the comment box in the virtual meeting to identify your first and last name and magisterial district for the minutes. Please limit your comments to 3 minutes.

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper: Introduction Denise Huebner Associate Superintendent of Special Education.
• Ms. Huebner: Introduction of Dr. Latanya McDade, Superintendent PWCS.
• Information on COVID Recovery and ESY report.
• Information regarding Transportation support.

Business

• Chair report:
  • Reminder of identified needs:
    • Maintain a full SEAC - Sept 2: sent 3 applications to the Special Education Department two for Occoquan and one for Superintendent. One would be willing to serve in either role.
    • Monitor and provide reports on COVID Recovery needs
  • In person learning concerns related to school to prison pipeline, transition to post secondary school or employment, mental health instruction and supports, and Family Life Education (FLE) for students accessing alternative curriculum.
  • Site based management and Fiscal Officer report.
  • Continued Parent Resource Training opportunities.
  • Promote education and support for AIM VA and TTAC to encourage teachers to continue learning about print disabilities and technology supports for all learners.
  • Safety and equity of non-verbal students and of all students requiring specialized services especially in after-school care, transportation, social clubs in every school, honor roll, etc.
  • Child Find budget and resources for early intervention and preschool.
  • Transparency of funds.
  • Topics for school year:
    • September 21, 2021: COVID Recovery/ESY/Transportation
    • October 19, 2021: Preschool and Child Find
    • November 15, 2021: Critical Decision points/VAAP
    • December 20, 2021: Indicators
    • January 18, 2021: SEAC outreach events
    • February 15, 2021: Parent Resource Center
    • March 15, 2021: Annual Plan
    • April 19, 2021: Development of School Board Presentation
    • May 17, 2021: Voting New members and Executive Board
  • Subcommittee to Review and update By-Laws: Jaime Van Echo: Shelly Witte, Kristie Bowie-Young, Rhonda Tabor, discussion and needs. Final Document: Need to have approval from PWCS lawyer prior to allowing a formal adoption by the SEAC. Sent to Special Education Department on May 7, Jaime Van Echo.
  • SEAC Outreach and membership Subcommittee:
    • Jaime Van Echo: appoint chair and additional members.
    • Must work on finding superintendent representatives, Occoquan representative, and replacing outgoing members of Coles, Neabsco, and Woodbridge.
    • Must work with PRC and Special Education Department identifying opportunities for outreach and where we need to represent.
  • Nominating Subcommittee:
    • Jaime Van Echo: Appoint chair and additional members.
    • Will be reaching out to members starting in January to identify nominations for Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary 2022.
  • Communication Subcommittee:
    • Jaime Van Echo: Appoint chair to communicate with Special Education Department posting minutes and agenda on the PWCS website and Scoop! suggestions related to priorities identified.
  • Report to School Board:
    • Update new members on SEAC responsibilities related to annual report.
    • Discussion regarding presentations provided by Special Education Department that directly relate to the areas identified in last Annual Report. Advise and recommend additional areas of need if necessary. Review policies and procedures of the presentations from Special Education. Review the Division Annual plan and Application of Federal Flow Through Funds.
  • SEPTA update (SEPTA Website)
  • Parent Resource center: Rhonda Tabor
    • PRC Website
  • New Business

Member Time

• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Rep
• Jaime Van Echo-Superintendent Representative:
• Shandel Lohr - At-Large:
• Beverly Hicks- Brentsville District,
• Sarah Pitkin- Coles District:
• Deborah Tekampe - Gainesville District:
• Angela Comisky - Neabsco District:
• Brandi Workman-Potomac District:
• Shelly Witte-Woodbridge District
• Vacant-Superintendent Representative
• Vacant-Superintendent Representative: Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative
• Vacant-Occoquan District (Justin Caron fill-in)
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant
• Vacant-Superintendent Representative
• Vacant-Superintendent Representative

Closing

• Jamie Van Echo

The SEAC is organized and functions in accordance with state and federal requirements. The Committee's functions include the following monthly meetings with the Director of the Special Education Department; determining needs of children with disabilities within the county; developing priorities and strategies for meeting identified needs of children with disabilities; preparing and submitting an annual report to the Prince William County School Board.

Meeting Minutes, Date/Time

• September 21, 2021 7pm - Kelly Leadership Center

Opening of Meeting

• 7:02 p.m. - Beverly Hicks

Call to Order

• Minutes to Approve deferred to business
• Remarks by Dr. Babur Lateef, At-Large PWCS School Board, Chair
• Citizen time :
  • Sandra Kern - Potomac District - Lots of positives about this school year, would like more updates.
  • Yukiko Dove- Potomac District Parent/Teacher - Likes the guidelines posted for teachers, ESY communication lacking
• 7:11 p.m. - Citizen's time closed

Special Education Department

• Dr. Michelle Roper:
  • Introduction Denise Huebner Associate Superintendent of Special Education.
  • Shared monthly newsletter, information on ESY and COVID Recovery links
• Ms. Huebner:
  • Introduction of Dr. Latanya McDade, Superintendent PWCS
  • Shared strategic plan and what she hopes SEAC will be able to contribute in the future.

Business

• Subcommittee to Review and update By-Laws:
  • Appointed Katherine Lekbad to the committee
• SEAC Outreach and membership Subcommittee:
  • Appointed Shandel Lohr, Tara Aqdas and Beverly Hicks to the committee
• Nominating Subcommittee:
  • Appointed Sarah Pitkin and Angela Comiskey to committee
• Communications Subcommittee: Discussed with committee, agreed that roles and responsibilities would fall to SEAC secretary. Committee not created.
• Annual Report to school board: All members will participate
• PWCS-SEPTA report-- Melinda Vaikasiene - PWCS SEPTA working on schedule for the year and easing into this year
• Parent Resource Center: Rhonda Tabor - Parent Resource Center - 18 prerecorded videos for parents online that were created with Special Education Department and community partners.
• Motion to approve the Minutes by Katherine Lekbad and seconded by Beverly Hicks
• Katherine Lekbad self-nominated for Secretary-- voted in unanimously

Member Time

• Tara Aqdas: Superintendent Rep - Participated in her private residence via teleconferencing meeting due to a family member's medical condition that requires the member to provide care for such family member, thereby preventing the member's physical attendance.
• Jaime Van Echo-Superintendent Representative: Present
• Shandel Lohr- At-Large: Present
• Beverly Hicks-Brentsville District, -Present
• Sarah Pitkin- Coles District: Present
• Deborah Tekampe-Gainesville District: Present
• Angela Comiskey-Neabsco District: Present
• Brandi Workman-Potomac District: Absent
• Shelly Witte-Woodbridge District: Absent
• Katherine Lekbad: Teacher Representative: Present
• Vacant-Occoquan District- Absent
• Rhonda Tabor: Consultant Present
• Kristie Bowie Young: Consultant Participated in her private residence via teleconferencing meeting due to temporary or permanent disability or other medical condition that prevents the member's physical attendance.
• Vacant-Superintendent Representative
• Vacant-Superintendent Representative

Closing

• 9:03 Motion to close meeting Beverly Hicks