Special Education Parent Advisory Groups are required for all school districts in New Jersey. The purpose of these groups is to provide opportunities for parents and community members to offer input to their districts on critical issues. New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14-1.2(h) states that: Each board of education shall ensure that a special education parent advisory group is in place in the district to provide input to the district on issues concerning students with disabilities. 

The Public Schools of Edison Township established the Edison Special Education Parent Advisory Council (ESPAC) as a forum for parents to provide input to the district regarding students with disabilities. We welcome the participation of all parents. 

Mission: The mission of the Edison Township Special Education Parent Advisory Council (ESPAC) is to facilitate communication between parents, staff, the Board of Education, and the community, regarding the district's special education programs, to provide families with meaningful support, education and information and to provide input to the District on issues concerning students with disabilities. 

ESPAC’s Role: 

● To provide direct input on the policies, programs, and practices that impact services and supports for students with disabilities. 

● To increase the involvement of families of children with special needs. 

● To advise on issues that affect the education, health and safety of students with special needs. 

Who Should Attend ESPAC Meetings? 

● Anyone with a student or students in Edison Township schools with special needs. 

● Anyone with a student or students eligible for or receiving services under an IEP or 504 plan. 

When are ESPAC Meetings? 

● Meeting dates are updated on our District website or you can email Kate.Gousman@edison.k12.nj.us to be added to our ESPAC email list and we will send you information regarding upcoming meetings. 

What Happens at ESPAC Meetings? 

● Concerns related to a group of students are shared and discussed. 

● Dr. Toohey and/or District Representatives will provide updates related to Special Services in the Edison Township schools district and at the State and National Levels. 

● Parents will have adequate time to discuss issues among themselves and plan the agenda for the next meeting. ● Speakers, other District Representatives, and Individual Staff members may be invited based upon the requests from the Members of the Council.

At the conclusion of each ESPAC meeting, the district will arrange for parent presentations/trainings. The topics of the trainings will be on the Special Services website two weeks prior to the meeting dates. 

Please note that ESPAC meetings are not the forum for a discussion about individual students or your child's IEP. Topics are limited to those that impact all students or a group of students. Additionally, these meetings are for parents only. It is not appropriate to have your child attend these meetings. If you have concerns that you would like to share with the Assistant Superintendent for Pupil-Special Services or a specific concern about your child's program, please contact your child’s case manager or Dr. Thomas Toohey at 732-452-4948 and Thomas.Toohey@edison.k12.nj.us