St. Croix River Education District (SCRED)

Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Minutes

September 25, 2008

“To support families as they navigate through the educational system so their children can reach their full potential.”

The SCRED PAC met on September 25, 2008 in the SCRED Conference Room. Scheduled meeting time was from 6:00-8:00 PM.

Those in attendance included:

Lynn Zeleny(Pine City District)

Also in attendance:

Holly Windram, Assistant Special Education Director (SCRED)

Jeff Menigo, Unique Learners Manager (SCRED)

Marleen Zak, Low Incidence Disabilities Collaborative Planner (SCRED)

Next meeting will be scheduled for February 2009. A specific date & time to be determined.

Agenda Items:

  1. Introductions
  1. Transition-Marleen

Marleen presented and discussed activities of the secondary transition work group over the past school year. Activities included development of a Transition Evaluation Summary Report (ESR) Checklist for secondary special education teachers, a Transition Portfolio Checklist, and a Writing Transition Goals Worksheet.

This information was placed on the SCRED website under Special Education. In addition, the Chisago and Pine County Transition Road Maps are found on the website.

Marleen also presented information on Project C3 (Connecting Youth to Communities and Careers), a web based resource for families, employers, and professionals.

  1. PACER Webinar

PACER is sponsoring training for Special Education Advisory Committees on October 2 from 6:30-8:30 PM at the PACER Center. Training focuses upon increasing the effectiveness of local councils.

As an option to the above, PACER is also sponsoring a “webinar” scheduled for October 7, 2008 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM designed for Special Education Advisory Committees. Pre-registration is required by October 3.

  1. Recruiting

Much discussion regarding low turnout of parents at the PAC meetings. A variety of ideas were discussed including:

  • Conduct a survey of current members regarding preferred meeting days/times/locations.
  • Discuss parent membership at building level special education department meetings.
  • Should the PAC meetings be organized by local districts rather than SCRED?
  • Video conferencing.
  • Mail agenda items to members before the PAC meetings.
  • Mass mailing to parents.
  1. SCRED Website

The PAC is interested in developing a parent resource space on the SCRED website. Below are some of the ideas discussed:

Parent Resources/Support on green bar at top.

Menu Buttons:

Parent Advisory Council (PAC)

  • Mission Statement: “To support families as they navigate through theeducational system so their children can reach their full potential.”
  • PAC Meeting Schedule
  • PAC Meeting Minutes
  • PAC Members & Contact Information

Upcoming Trainings/Workshops for Parents

School District Contacts

Parent Safeguards Notice

Frequently Asked Questions

Links to Advocacy Resources

  • PACER

Local Resources

  • We R Able - A program designed to enable adults with disabilities to participate in lifelong learning.
  • Circle of Friends
  • Paradise Pride

Secondary Transition (link to transition info)

  1. Other

Pine County Public Health is sponsoring a Health Fair on November 14, 2008 in Hinckley at the Community Center from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. SCRED may be providing information regarding Early Childhood Special Education Services.

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