Special Education Advisory Council
The purpose of the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) is to represent the interests of district learners with disabilities from birth through age 21; advise the Special Education Department on current issues, program development, parental concerns and involvement, and department priorities; serve as an advocate for high quality special education programs, and promote communication between family, school and community, actively seeking input from students and parents.
Members
Members include 20 to 25 people, including district parents, community representatives, students with a disability and school staff; approximately half of the members are parents and parent advocates of diverse disability areas. SEAC offers members a unique opportunity to advise the district and help other families and children with disabilities. Our members offer valuable insights into experiences that help guide the work of the district in providing equitable learning opportunities for all students. If you're looking for an opportunity to learn more about effectively working with the district, increasing your knowledge regarding special education and positively impact your community, join SEAC!
What is the role of members?
- Review and abide by SEAC bylaws, including confidentiality of person-specific information shared in meetings or in SEAC-related activities.
- Attend scheduled meetings: To remain in current standing, members are required to attend at least 50 percent of the meetings scheduled in a year. In addition, members share equally in the responsibility to serve on related SEAC subcommittees or task forces as needed.
- Prepare for meetings: Read SEAC agendas, minutes, reports, and related materials. Provide requested input prior to meetings. Come prepared to discuss agenda items using relevant examples or supporting information.
- Participate in meetings: Provide requested feedback. Contribute ideas for solutions. Identify barriers or challenges experienced by other families; represent family concerns; focus on student needs as a group, rather than on individual student concerns. Share personal experiences as they relate to decisions regarding policies and procedures; ask clarifying questions.
- Encourage parent involvement and participation; participate in community awareness activities and information sharing with families in the district.
- Work collaboratively with the school district’s special education director as well as other school personnel and SEAC parent and community members to fulfill the local SEAC’s purpose and mission.
Meetings
Meetings will be held at the District Office, 3455 153rd Street West, Rosemount, MN 55068 from 6:00-8:00 PM. Contact Paula Engstrom at Paula.Engstrom@district196.org with questions. Meetings scheduled for the school year are as follows:
- October 10, 2023
- December 5, 2023
- February 29, 2024
- April 23, 2024
Contact
For more information about the SEAC, contact Director of Special Education Janet Fimmen at Janet.Fimmen@district196.org or 651-423-7629.
Fraser Hope Line
The coronavirus outbreak has created a whole new reality for us, but the important things remain constant. Children, teens, adults, and families still face challenges with autism, mental health, and special needs. Families still need support and Fraser is here to help. You may be practicing social distancing to prevent spread of illness, but you are not alone. Be assured, Fraser will be here, just as we have been for the past 85 years.
We value your support of Fraser and we want to make sure you know that we’ve transitioned an array of programs to telehealth/telephone, so we can continue to provide critical services to children, teens, adults and families with special needs during this outbreak. We are here to help families during these challenging times. We recently opened the Fraser Hope Line, a call- in center to offer immediate help for most pressing personal and family issues. We hope that you will forward this information to someone in need!
Fraser Hope Line 612-446-HOPE (4673) is answered by a Fraser mental health professional Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.– 7 p.m. You can also access the Fraser Hope Line by email at FraserHopeLine@fraser.org. We are just a phone call or email away. SHARE HOPE!