Carmel Clay Schools board previews special-education parent advisory council (CPAC) launch

Board members reported a plan to form a CPAC (special education parent advisory council) after meeting with training provider Mendy Culie of Cool Abilities.

Mrs. Kok and Miss Wheeler said the CPAC is intended as parent-led and district-supported family engagement focused on systemic special education improvements rather than individual casework. The district received sample bylaws and a statement of work from the trainer and plans to identify an administrative champion—typically a district administrator such as the special education director—to support the group.

Mrs. Kok said initial next steps are recruiting founding parent members at the building level, conducting training, and publicizing meetings once the council has formalized a schedule. "This is a long-term project," she said, noting the goal is to have the council up and running early in the next school year.

Board members emphasized that building principals will help identify parents willing to serve as founding members, and that all parents will be welcome to participate once meetings begin.