Notice

During the week of May 8 - 12, 2023, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public
School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Ipswich Public Schools. The
Office of Public School Monitoring visits each district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance
with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education
include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process,
and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights include bullying, student
discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students.
In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The review chairperson
from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that
focuses on key areas of their child’s special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development
of a report. During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson of the
District’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include interviews of
district staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite observations.
Parents and other individuals may call Talia Buonopane, Public School Monitoring Chairperson, at (781) 338- 3763
if they would like to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as
translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.
Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the Ipswich Public
Schools with a report with information about areas in which the (district or charter school) meets or exceeds
regulatory requirements and areas in which the (district or charter school) requires assistance to correct or
improve practices. The public will be able to access the report at http://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports/.