Our Mission
The South Orange Maplewood Special Education Parent Teacher Organization (SPED-PTO) works to make a difference in the lives of all children with special needs. Our goal is to promote the welfare of the special education student by providing parents with the tools and information they need to work collaboratively with the school district and to be more effective advocates for their children. Each year, the SPED-PTO holds several meetings to help parents network with other parents, share information about Special Education issues and educational concerns, and understand changing special education laws. We support the on-going professional development of district staff regarding special education and encourage the inclusion of children with disabilities in our communities. We seek and welcome the active involvement of all parents of children receiving special education services in South Orange-Maplewood.

We invite you to join us at our meetings at 7:30pm at the Board of Education office, 525 Academy St., Maplewood, district meeting room, 2nd floor on:

• Tuesday. Sept. 27
• Wed, Nov. 30
• Thursday, Jan. 12
• Thursday, March 15
• Wednesday, May 16

Click here for the a link to the report for “The Opportunities Review “as presented by Dr. Patrice Barker, the district’s supervisor of special services.

The Executive Committee is made up of parent volunteers. We welcome new volunteers at any time. Please contact one of us below: