Our Mission

The mission of the Ashland Parent Advisory Council is to work towards the understanding, respect, support and appropriate education for all children with special needs and/or disabilities in our community.
Massachusetts Statute (Chapter 71B, section 3) states that each school committee shall establish a Parent Advisory Council on Special Education. Membership is offered to all parents of children with special needs and/or disabilities and other interested parties including families whose children have an IEP (including Out-of-District placement) or 504 Accommodation Plan.

Originally a council set-up to support and educate families with children who have special needs or learning disabilities, ASHPAC has proven to be a resource for many families in Ashland. In addition to providing feedback from parents to the Ashland School administrators, ASHPAC offers workshops and speakers that educate on a broad range of topics relevant to many parents. ASHPAC advises the school committee and superintendent. ASHPAC also provides scholarships to graduating seniors, subsidizes community education classes for special education students, helps fund teacher requests for supplies and teaching materials, and funds professional development to teachers and staff.
A list of ASHPAC officers including the parent representatives, along with a speaker schedule is sent home at the start of the school year.