Henrico SEAC report spotlights PTA liaisons and support for new special-education teachers

Henrico County Public Schools’ Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) presented its annual report to the school board, outlining two primary goals for improving services to students with disabilities: establishing a special-education PTA liaison at every school and strengthening supports to retain new special-education teachers.

Katie Smith, director of exceptional education for Henrico County Public Schools, told the board that SEAC’s work aligns with the division’s Journey to 2030 strategic plan and centers on “equitable access, collaborative partnerships, and student growth.” She said the liaison role is intended to make PTA/PTSA/PTO activities more accessible and to help schools engage family members who might not otherwise participate.

The report said several schools have added the liaison position and some have introduced sensory hours or sensory-room activities before or during events so students with disabilities can participate. “It’s our effort to ensure every student, including students with disabilities, have the instructional resources and supports they need to succeed,” Smith said.

For the 2025-26 school year, SEAC members identified two goals that will continue into 2026-27: the liaison initiative and efforts to support retention of new special-education teachers. Smith described outreach efforts that brought SEAC parents into novice teacher week in August and a parent panel for provisionally licensed teachers in March; teachers who attended rated the parent sessions as among their most valuable professional learning experiences.

Board members applauded the work. A committee member said the liaison and sensory-activity efforts should extend the district’s inclusion work and help build stronger parent–school relationships. Another board member who had attended SEAC meetings praised the “rich conversation” the committee produced while reviewing homework policies and noted SEAC’s participation has grown; Smith confirmed the committee now has 18 members after the board’s approvals.

When asked whether a school without a PTA could still have a liaison, Smith said the division sent a letter to all principals asking them to identify family members who could fill the role, and officials plan an August information session to explain time commitments and duties. She added that the division provides funding so schools can offer sensory events during evenings if needed.

Smith also said SEAC members sent appreciation letters to teachers and instructional assistants on the anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and that the committee hopes to run a book study to increase parents’ knowledge of the Individualized Education Program process.

The presentation concluded with board members thanking SEAC and Dr. Smith for the report; no formal board action was recorded during this item.