This page is dedicated to give resources and guidance to the Special Education process. The Special Services Page gives full details of the process starting from requesting a referral to the child study team, to developing an initial Individualized Education Plan (IEP), to ongoing implementation and adjustments to the IEP.

This edition of the Guide is the product of collaborative efforts between parents/guardians of students with special needs, represented by the South Orange-Maplewood Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC), and the South Orange-Maplewood School District’s Department of Special Services.

For more information about the SOMSD Special Education Resources and Staff, it can be found at https://www.somsdk12.org/district/specialservices/contacts

Each school in the district is represented by a Special Education liaison. The liaison for Marshall Elementary School can be reached at marshall.spedliaison@gmail.com. 

Special Education Resources

Special Education Parent Advisory Committee

The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee South Orange Maplewood (SEPAC SOMA) provides a forum to share and discuss matters of interest for parents or caregivers of students who receive special services, provides input to the Board of Education and district administration on policies, programs and practices that impact students who receive special services, and advocates for the continual improvement of the district’s programming as it relates to students with disabilities.

They host meetings throughout the school year to help families network with other families to navigate special education, and share information about concerns, successes, and resources. They support ongoing professional development of district staff and teachers, and encourage comprehensive, thoughtful inclusion of differently-abled children in our communities.

Membership to SEPAC SOMA is free.

There is also a Facebook group which you can follow called the South Orange/Maplewood Special Education Community.