A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Special Education Parent Advisory Council, which aims to create an inclusive environment for caregivers of children with disabilities. The council, renamed “Can Do,” seeks to extend its support to all caregivers, not just parents, fostering an inclusive approach. The chair of Can Do emphasized the council’s role in ensuring that the school district provides a fully inclusive experience for students with disabilities. This involves training educators to effectively engage with various disabilities and maintaining open communication with administrators. The East Hampton School District currently has a notably high percentage of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans, around 36% of the school population, highlighting the critical role of Can Do.

The “Can Do” council has planned multiple support opportunities for families, including bi-monthly in-person coffee chats and community conversations with administrators. These initiatives aim to enhance communication and support for families of students with disabilities. Additionally, playground meetups are organized to foster connections among families, providing social opportunities for children with disabilities. Despite these efforts, the council faces challenges in community engagement, with attendance at events not meeting expectations. A survey is planned to assess awareness and barriers to participation, with the hope of increasing community involvement.

Funding remains a concern for Can Do, with discussions about establishing the council as a nonprofit to facilitate fundraising efforts. The chair requested support from the school committee to promote the council.

Financial challenges were another major topic of discussion. The committee was informed about the incomplete FY25 end-of-year financial report, with the city yet to close its books for the fiscal year. An extension has been requested from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the potential for Chapter 70 funding to be withheld if the report is not submitted by December 31. The financial report is intended to provide a percentage of the current year’s budget spent, although concerns were raised about its accuracy due to lump-sum expenditures. The committee discussed the need to improve reporting methods for clarity.

The summer food program’s operational losses were also addressed. The program, which typically operates at a loss, incurred a deficit of $21,250 in the summer of 2023 while serving 1,240 meals. Despite the financial loss, the program is considered a worthwhile investment for the community. Funds allocated for food services are strictly designated for that purpose. The committee also discussed the possibility of engaging professionals for financial matters, referencing how the Massachusetts Association of School Committees offers reasonable rates for services.

Community engagement initiatives were also a focal point, with discussions on enhancing digital communication through platforms like Instagram and Parent Square. The committee noted challenges in achieving diverse community participation, with engagement primarily involving familiar families. Suggestions were made to increase visibility at community events and develop materials to aid outreach. The importance of providing resources during the 504 and IEP process was emphasized, with plans to include links to the advisory group in communications sent to parents.

The meeting concluded with discussions on procedural matters, including the appointment of a delegate to the MASC MASS joint conference and the approval of out-of-state field trip requests. The committee approved trips to Hartford for a stage production and to Greece, with fundraising plans in place to help cover costs. The establishment of new clubs, such as the “We the People” club and the Neurodiversity club, was also approved, with stipends for advisers set.