SEPAC SOMA MEETINGS & UPDATES
PUBLIC STATEMENT:
Transition of Paraprofessional Staffing Vendors and Communication Clarifications
The following statement was submitted on 7/31/26 on behalf of SEPAC SOMA to SOMSD Superintendent Jason Bing, Assistant Superintendent Kathleen Gesumaria, and the members of the SOMSD Board of Education.
The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee South Orange Maplewood (SEPAC SOMA) issues this public statement to clarify our advisory role, address recent statements of SEPAC’s conduct, and express our deep concerns regarding the South Orange-Maplewood School District’s (SOMSD) decision to terminate its contract with Educational Support Services (ESS) and transition to Delta-T via the Mercer County Special Services School District Cooperative.
2026-2027 EXECUTIVE BOARD
Approved at 6/3/2026 Community Meeting
President: Verna Holcomb
VP, Policy Initiatives: Scott Ingles
VP, Family Engagement: Ifeoma Nwigwe
VP, Community Outreach: OPEN
Programming Director: OPEN
Communications Director: Amanda Cercone
Ex Officio: Nicole Josey
info@sepacsoma.org
RESOURCE FAIR GUIDE
What a joy it was to see our SEPAC SOMA community making connections! Huge thanks to the families who stopped by, to the local providers, groups, and organizations who shared a Saturday afternoon with us, and to Together We Bloom, Beloved Bath, Lindsey Stone Homes, and the South Mountain YMCA for partnering with us. We’re already thinking about the 4th Annual Resource Fair next spring!
RECAP: TRANSITIONING TO ADULT LIFE
JESPY House, a local provider based in South Orange, joined us in April to share info about planning, options, and resources for youth with developmental disabilities and their parents. Learn about the transition to adult life after high school or an 18-21 program. Housing, employment, recreational services … what’s next?
What is SEPAC SOMA?
The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) is a parent-led, state-mandated group focused on policies, programs, and practices within the South Orange & Maplewood School District. SEPAC provides parents with tools and information to work collaboratively with the school district and to be more effective advocates for their children with special educational needs. Families and caregivers of students with learning needs or students eligible for or receiving services under an IEP or 504 plan are encouraged to attend SEPAC Meetings. (Español / Kreyòl Ayisyen)
SEPAC Meetings
SEPAC hosts meetings throughout the school year to provide parents and caregivers support, resources and information relevant to students with special education programming. Our meetings consist of featured conversations and presentations, as well as support, resource sharing, and the ability to connect with other members of the special education community. Meetings with featured topics are our attempt to get those with similar concerns in the same room at the same time but all are always welcome!
At every meeting, we learn from one another, support each other, share resources and connect with others.
Connect with SEPAC SOMA
Stay informed about Special Education updates, advocacy efforts and upcoming meetings by subscribing to our mailing list.
SEPAC SOMA Advocacy
SEPAC SOMA works hard to support and advocate for Special Education families by identifying trending issues and elevating those concerns to district administration and the Board of Education. If you’re feeling stuck, please let us know by reaching out to your school’s SEPAC Liaison or emailing us at info@sepacsoma.org.
SEPAC SOMA 