Oceanport ADL Bylaws
Developed and agreed upon, placed into action on 10/16/2017 and reinstated on 6/6/2023.

Article I: Authorization and Procedures for ADL

Authorization for a district wide ADL is derived from NJ Administrative Code 6A: 14 - 1.2. Parent Advisory groups are required by state regulation. Meetings of the ADL will be convened as follows:

General meetings will be held no less than 5 times per year. In addition to providing information and training opportunities for parents, a portion of the meeting will be designated for parental input to the ADL executive board.

Administrative meetings: At a mutually agreed upon time quarterly or as needed, the representative from the ADL will meet with the Director of Special Services or designated liaison and to provide input on the policies, programs, and practices that impact services and supports for students with disabilities. They will communicate barriers or challenges experienced by families, represent family concerns, focus on student needs as a group rather than an individual, ask clarifying questions.

Board of Education meetings: The Board of Education will provide a liaison to the ADL group who will report back to the Board of Education at the public meeting immediately following the ADL group meeting.

Article II: Name of the Organization

The name of this organization shall be the Advocates for Diverse Learners, known as the Oceanport ADL.

Article III: Mission Statement/ Guidelines for Operation

Oceanport ADL’s mission is to facilitate communication with the Oceanport School District by providing input on issues affecting students with disabilities in the Oceanport School School District for the purpose of enhancing the policies, programs and services for students with disabilities. Advise the Director of Special Services and administration on the operation and development of special education programs - parents and teacher training needs, and help to develop, review, revise, and comment on any special education policy, provide input for the Oceanport School District and staff to share accomplishments, goals and needs.

Some specific objectives from the Mission Statement are:

• To provide direct input on the policies, programs and practices that impact services and supports for children with disabilities and their families.
• To increase the involvement of families of children with special needs in making recommendations on special education services.
• To advise on matters that pertain to the education, health and safety of children with special needs.

ADL uses the definitions of terms set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and its implementing regulations as well as the definitions set forth in NJ Law and Regulation.

The OP ADL shall conduct itself in a manner that will protect the privacy of all concerned individuals including parents, students, and district employees. Therefore names and other personal information will be withheld from all meeting communications.

Article IV: Types of Membership

General membership shall be open to any residents of the Oceanport School District including the Director of Special Services, CST, teachers, and/or Oceanport Board of Education members.

Article V: Executive Board of the Oceanport ADL

Board Member Responsibilities:

• Set the agenda for each open meeting

• Serve as spokesperson for the organization, recruit new members

• Report to the Director of Special Services

• Maintain contact lists

• Maintain website in conjunction with the Director of Special Services

• Maintain social media accounts, email account

• Outreach to SPAN for activities and programs, forums, presentations, speakers