Tracy Walbridge

I’m writing to express my strong support for HB121-FN, which proposes the creation of District Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (DSEPACs) at the local district level. This bill offers a great opportunity to strengthen the relationship between parents, school districts, and administrators, ultimately making sure that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed. Across the country, special education advisory councils have proven to be an effective tool for improving communication, creating more inclusive educational practices, and making certain that parents' voices are heard in decision-making. For example, in Massachusetts, District Special Education Parent Advisory Councils have played a key role in helping districts develop more effective special education programs. These councils make certain that parents are informed about their rights and that their feedback is considered when planning, evaluating, and improving special education services. The success of these councils in Massachusetts is largely due to their ability to bring together all the stakeholders, which leads to better support for students with disabilities. New Hampshire stands to benefit from a similar approach. By establishing DSEPACs, we can create a more supportive and transparent system for students with disabilities. This bill emphasizes communication between parents, school boards, and district administration, which is a necessary step in making the system more inclusive, responsive, and accountable. Just like in Massachusetts, regular workshops and meetings will allow parents to better understand the special education process, advocate for their children, and access valuable resources. The requirement for annual workshops and an annual report to the school board is another positive aspect. This promotes transparency and keeps the conversation flowing, while also providing districts with a way to evaluate and improve their special education programs. These ongoing improvements will have a direct impact on the success of students with disabilities. I understand that some concerns have been raised about the cost and difficulty of recruiting volunteers for these councils. However, looking at the success of other states, it’s clear that the benefits far outweigh the challenges. The best part is that these councils will be volunteer-based, so there will be little to no cost involved. Additionally, school staff are already required to provide parent training under IDEA §300.34(c)(8) and Title I for parent involvement. These existing efforts aim to increase parental participation, help parents and teachers collaborate to improve student achievement and assist parents in making informed decisions about their children’s education. DSEPACs would only strengthen these efforts, making them more structured and effective, which will ultimately lead to better outcomes for students and a stronger partnership between families and schools. I’m aware that some opponents of HB121-FN are concerned about the financial impact of creating DSEPACs, often citing the rising costs of special education. However, it’s important to challenge the narrative that these costs are necessarily prohibitive or unsustainable. While the costs of providing special education services have certainly increased over the years, much of this increase can be attributed to a growing need for comprehensive services and support. HB121-FN does not add a significant financial burden to districts, as it establishes volunteer-based councils with minimal administrative costs. These councils are designed to enhance communication and collaboration between parents, schools, and district administrations. By improving communication and decision-making, the DSEPACs will help districts allocate resources more efficiently, prevent unnecessary legal disputes, and find proactive solutions before issues escalate into costly problems. Many of the rising costs in special education stem from the lack of early intervention, poor communication, and legal battles that often stem from misunderstandings between parents and school districts. By providing a platform for regular communication and making sure everyone is on the same page, HB121-FN will help reduce the need for costly, reactive measures, ultimately improving the effectiveness of resources and the outcomes for students with disabilities. Rather than viewing the creation of DSEPACs as a financial burden, we should see it as an opportunity to make special education services more efficient and effective, leading to long-term savings through better student outcomes. I strongly urge you to support HB121-FN and vote to establish DSEPACs across New Hampshire.