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Parent and Caregiver Involvement

Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)

The Minneapolis Public Schools Special Education Advisory Council, SEAC (pronounced "seek") is a partnership between the school district and parents/guardians of Minneapolis students with disabilities.

SEAC is mandated by the state to advise the district on policy and planning through the Executive Director of Special Education.  

SEAC is comprised of a majority of parents/guardians, and key special education department staff and often invites leaders from other district departments to share information and lend their perspective in decision making.

Percentage of Students in Each Disability Area per MPS Child Count on December 1, 2017

Graph of percentage of students in each disability area

Tips and Resources from SEAC

Below are some helpful tips and suggestions from caregivers of students who receive special education services within Minneapolis Public Schools.

  • Keep all your child's records
  • Maintain a paper trail when a crisis happens
  • Share and update your at home crisis plan with your child’s team
  • Frequently communicate with your child’s team when you notice a change in your child’s behavior outside of the school day
  • Trust your gut
  • Advocate for your child
  • Remember to take care of yourself
  • If an expulsion is proposed, the IEP team must meet within ten school days of the removal of the student for the purpose of determining whether the student’s behavior is a manifestation of the student’s disability. Minn. Stat. §121A.43(d), and 20 U.S.C. § 1415(k)(1)(E).

Current SEAC Leadership

Erika Lamboglia and Sarah Vinueza
Current Parent Co-Chairs

Deeqaifrah Hussein
Executive Director

If you have a question or would like to add a topic to the SEAC agenda, please email the SEAC at seac@mpls.k12.mn.us and your question will be routed to the appropriate individual or to the Leadership Team. 

Monthly Meetings

The SEAC meets the first Thursday of each month from 5:30-7 pm virtually via Zoom. Meetings are open to all parents, staff, and interested community partners. 

Why should I come to a SEAC meeting?

  • To learn more about special education
  • To have your voice heard
  • To have input on planning in the department and district
  • Meet other families of children with special needs

Volunteering

Join us in creating a vibrant learning community by contributing your time and skills to support your students' educational journey and enhance the overall school experience. To begin the volunteer application process, please visit our Volunteering website.

Apply to Volunteer

SEAC Achievements

SEAC Recognized for Their Contributions 

MPS Board Director Carla Bates discusses the positive impact SEAC is making in the May 14 edition of the MPS Board Briefs.

Statement of Needs

SEAC develops a Statement of Needs in order to strengthen services provided by MPS.