MERS SEPAG

Hello, MERS Community!

Every school district in New Jersey is required to have a Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG). SEPAGs are parent-driven and parent-led advisory groups that work within the school district to address system-level issues impacting students with disabilities and their families.

For more information about the purpose of SEPAG and details about our district's SEPAG, please see below.

Thank you!

SEPAG Leadership

The core members of the SEPAG Leadership Team are parents of children with disabilities who have either an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan. SEPAG Leadership not only facilitates the meetings, they also collaborate with the Superintendent, District Leadership, and Board of Education.

While the state does not specify the size or composition of SEPAG leadership teams, our SEPAG is committed to including parents representing students from a variety of our programs. Membership is determined by the group, as recommended by the NJDOE. In addition to parents, the Leadership Team also includes Administrators from Pupil Personnel Services.

Meetings

MERS SEPAG organizes a variety of meetings throughout the year, creating opportunities for collaboration with parents, gathering their input, and sharing important resources and updates. These meetings are designed to foster open communication, address concerns, and ensure families are well-informed and actively involved in supporting student success.

The attached pictures show you a sample of the meeting that were hosted last year. Please be on the lookout for flyers advertising our upcoming meetings!

Fall Forum

Winter Forum

Spring Forum

What is the purpose and function of a SEPAG?

SEPAG gives parents the opportunity to provide direct input to their school district about policies, programs, practices, and services that have an impact on students with disabilities and their families.
SEPAG is not :

a parent support group;
an advocacy assistance group, which focuses on upholding rights for children and advocating for change from outside the system;
a limited campaign dedicated to addressing a single issue or immediate concern; or
a Special Education PTO or PTA, which might plan carnivals, classroom activities, dances, fundraisers, or other events.

(The following guidance is cited from the NJDOE)

What makes a SEPAG effective?

Opportunities to learn about the district, special services, and other school committees and groups.
Training in special education rights and policies with a focus on learning how to work in partnership with schools.
Gaining a basic understanding of school budgets, funding streams, federal and state laws and rules, local district policy and practices, and other system-level areas.
Building relationships with PTA/PTO committees, special education teachers, and Child Study Teams.
Connecting with community resources, such as social services organizations, libraries, colleges and universities, recreational programs, and other organizations that can provide expertise and resources.
Using a variety of meeting formats.

(The following guidance is cited from the NJDOE)

The Bylaws of the MERS SEPAG

The attachment below is a link to the MERS SEPAG Bylaws

pdf

insert_drive_file

Updated 2026 - Bylaws of the Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG).pdf

Download

54.4 KB

Want to be a member of the SEPAG Leadership Team?

If you are interested in joining SEPAG, please visit the SEPAG website for the application.

Feedback and Input

SEPAG leadership is always looking for feedback and input! Please email the SEPAG leadership directly at sepag@mersnj.us

Resources

Special Education Parent Advisory Groups in New Jersey A Guide to Developing and Conducting an Effective Group

Link to the MERS SEPAG Page

A button has a clean look to it, and gives you more space to share a summary or set of directions with your readers. You can write an eye-catching headline, too :)