North Andover (MA) SEPAC Meeting - September 28, 2026

The North Andover SEPAC meeting on September 28, 2026, covered special-education staffing and programs, family engagement, and transportation problems. The Director of Special Education reported adding a half-time elementary speech-language pathologist and hiring special-education coordinators and behavior analysts. The district had also renovated part of the former senior center for its ages 18–22 transition program, including a fully renovated kitchen and new furniture; the space is shared with other municipal services. No project cost or contract details were provided. The committee reported that the district would cover certain administrative costs, including committee email and website expenses, without stating an amount.

Transportation service failures prompted district staff to meet with the contractor’s operations vice president and local coordinator. The district requested information and reviews concerning driver training, routes, driver and hiring practices, and incident-response procedures; the director said the contractor’s performance would affect the district’s position in contract renegotiations. No contractor name, contract value, award, or procurement vote was identified. The committee unanimously approved the May 18, 2026 meeting minutes; no spending or contract action was voted on. Members also discussed inclusive community programming and school safety, including restraint and seclusion practices.