CPAC presents special‑education caregiver survey; superintendent pledges program review and audit

The Malden Caregiver Parent Advisory Council (CPAC) presented findings from a caregiver survey at the Dec. 8 school committee meeting that describe inconsistent special‑education service delivery and communication challenges across the district.

Marilyn Andrews and Jackie Ecker (CPAC leadership) said the anonymous survey, conducted July–November 2025 and distributed via ParentSquare and the CPAC Facebook page to families with IEPs/504 plans, yielded 114 responses. CPAC reported nearly half of caregivers did not feel 'very supported' and raised recurring problems: missed or delayed services, inconsistent implementation of IEPs and 504 plans, staff turnover and unclear points of contact for families.

"Families described strengths in individual educators and specific programs," CPAC said, but stressed that pockets of good practice are not yet systemwide. The presentation cited DESE‑linked measures and district assessment data showing students with IEPs lagging peers in early literacy and projected proficiency, and recommended concrete steps including clearer, predictable communication protocols, stronger IEP team practices, staffing and retention strategies, regular implementation checks and expanded co‑teaching and specialized instruction.

Superintendent Sippel told the committee the district has embedded the special‑education audit within a broader program review tied to Goal 3 of the superintendent’s stated priorities. He said an internal audit of special‑education services will be presented to the committee by the April meeting and that the district is exploring external technical assistance to supplement the review; the results will be folded into the district strategic plan by the end of the school year.

CPAC leaders also outlined near‑term steps for engagement, including a CPAC meet‑and‑greet on Wednesday at Salemwood School and outreach to recruit more caregivers to the council. The committee’s discussion included requests for deeper breakdowns by grade and demographic group, and members signaled support for the audit and continued collaboration with CPAC.