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English Learner and Special Education Parent Advisory Council

The Parent Advisory Council of Lawrence Family Development Charter School is a state-mandated parent/school planning group to advise the school on matters related to English Language Learners and Special Education.

Every parent of English Learner and Special Education students at LFDCS is welcome and encouraged to participate in the quarterly meetings (4x a year) of the PAC. The PAC will participate in the planning of parent workshops and the evaluation of our English Learner and Special Education programs. Members act as advisors to school administrators and governing bodies.

The Parent Advisory Council leadership is comprised of two co-chairs, a secretary, a membership chair, the Director of Special Education, and the English Language Learner Coordinator. The mission of the ELPAC/SEPAC is to promote parent involvement in the LFDCS English Learner and Special Education Programs and elevate parent voice as a key element in decision-making.

2025-26 ELPAC/SEPAC Meetings

Parents and guardians are invited to join the 2025-26 English Learner Parent Advisory Committee (ELPAC) and Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) meetings from 4:00 - 5:00 PM at the Foley Library and offered virtually. Our 2025-26 meetings are scheduled for:

October 29, 2025*
December 17, 2025
February 25, 2026
April 29, 2026

*Virtual meeting link for 10/29:
TEAM Meeting ID: 277 329 068 973 9
Passcode: Rp3m2pZ7

The LOOK Act and English Learner Parent Advisory Councils (ELPACs)

On November 22, 2017, Governor Baker signed into law the Language Opportunity for Our Kids Act (LOOK Act). The goal of this new law is to improve the education of English learners (ELs). The law has created more opportunities for input from parents and guardians of English learners in language acquisition programs. 

What are ELPACs?
English learner parent advisory councils are made up of parents and legal guardians of English learners.

How can I get involved?
Membership is voluntary and is open to all parents and legal guardians of students who are or have been identified as English learners.

Who is required to create and support ELPACs?
School districts or charter schools with 100 or more English learners or in which English learners comprise 5% of the student body, whichever is less, are required to establish ELPACs. Schools designated as underperforming or chronically underperforming must also establish ELPACs.

What are the duties of ELPACs?
ELPAC duties include but are not limited to:

  • Creating by-laws (rules) regarding officers and operational procedures;
  • Advising the school district, school committee, and board of trustees on matters related to English learners;
  • Meeting regularly with school or district leaders to participate in the planning and development of programs to improve educational opportunities for English learners;
  • Advising the district or school on any new proposed language acquisition programs;
  • Reviewing district and school improvement plans as they relate to English learners; and
  • Meeting at least annually with the school committee or school council.

The success of ELPACs depends on building supportive and trusting collaborative partnerships among and between parents, school staff and leaders, and community members. Please go to http://www.doe.mass.edu/ell/look-act.html for more information on ELPACs