Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
What is the PAC?
The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is a group of parents with children with disabilities. Members are recommended by their local school district, approved by their local board of education, and then approved by the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) Board of Education. Our meetings are open to the public. We discuss special education programs, experiences within our districts, and how to assist parents in their special education journey.
Meet Your Representatives
Andrea Bennink
WISD PAC Chairperson & Milan Representative
Andrea has a background in elementary education with a focus on early childhood development. She has advocated for best practices in special education in numerous settings; presenting at conferences, sharing insights and information with current and future service providers, connecting with state representatives, and helping parents learn advocacy skills. Andrea is a parent of three boys; Jacob, Michael, (both graduates of Milan High School), and Nathan (Milan Middle School), who has Down Syndrome.
Sarah Norton
WISD PAC Milan Representative
Sarah is a parent of three young children in Milan Area Schools. She has a background in forensic and computational linguistics and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Criminal Justice. She serves as a Trusted Parent Advisor with the Washtenaw County Great Start Collaborative and is a member of Milan’s Sex Education Advisory Board (SEAB). Sarah is passionate about advocacy and supporting families, students, and communities through informed and inclusive decision-making.
Resources
Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) PAC Handbook Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) consists of parents of students with special needs. We advise the WISD concerning the planning and implementation of special education programs and services. We work to ensure student success by strengthening the capacities of our local schools, families and communities through collaboration, use of best practices, technology, and a wide variety of strategies.
Michigan Alliance for Families Michigan Alliance for Families provides information, support, and education for families who have children and young adults (birth to 26 years of age) who receive (or may be eligible to receive) special education services. This website can help you with finding information on special education issues as well as disability specific information.
Special Education Mediation Services Working Together for Student Achievement in Michigan: Special Education Mediation Services helps students by fostering cooperation and effective teamwork among those who plan their education. The overall goal is to help students, parents and educators make decisions that improve education outcomes.
Milan Area Schools Special Education Guidebook (Coming Soon)