New Leadership & Important Questions for Watertown Special Education

Watertown Public Schools recently announced Kristen Beaupre as the Interim Director of Student Services. Ms. Beaupre previously served as a Team Chair and Out-of-District Coordinator for Brookline Public Schools from 2014 to 2025.

During that window of time, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) conducted investigations and entered into resolution agreements regarding disability-based retaliation and parent engagement within Brookline Public Schools and its SEPAC. 

In one case, it was found that parents in active dispute with Brookline were intentionally prevented from serving on the SEPAC board. Another investigation centered on Brookline Public Schools and its SEPAC actively discouraging families from participating in an independent (non-district) special education advocacy group within the community.

As Watertown welcomes new leadership, families and community members may have similar questions regarding family engagement and civil rights protections as we do, including:

• Corrective Actions: Was Ms. Beaupre involved in developing or implementing any OCR-required corrective actions or trust repair measures during her tenure in Brookline?

• Family Protections: How will she ensure Watertown families who raise concerns or file formal grievances are fully protected from retaliation and feel safe advocating for their children?

• SEPAC Involvement: What are the specific plans to foster an active, fully representative, and compliant SEPAC in Watertown?
  
  

Summary of Relevant OCR Findings & Resolution Agreements (Brookline Public Schools):

1. SEPAC Bylaw Exclusion & Retaliation Finding

• Background: The OCR investigated allegations that Brookline’s SEPAC amended its bylaws to prevent parents in active disputes with the district from serving as SEPAC Chair or other elected positions.

• Finding: OCR determined that barring these parents from leadership roles constituted illegal disability-based retaliation under Section 504 and Title II of the ADA.

• Resolution: The district/SEPAC revised its bylaws to remove retaliatory exclusion provisions and ensure equal access for all parents.
  
  

Document (OCR Letter & Agreement):

https://ocrcas.ed.gov/.../ocr-letters-and.../01211573-a.pdf

2. Voluntary Resolution Regarding Independent Special Education Advocacy Groups

• Background: A complaint alleged that district and SEPAC practices discouraged local families from participating in an independent, non-district special education advocacy group.

• Resolution: The district voluntarily entered into a Resolution Agreement requiring:

1. Official communication to all families defining retaliation under Section 504 and outlining clear complaint procedures.

2. Direct communication clarifying that while SEPAC is the officially recognized advisory group under M.G.L. c. 71B, the district does not oppose or discourage the formation of independent parent advocacy groups.

Document (OCR Resolution Agreement):

https://ocrcas.ed.gov/.../ocr-letters-and.../01201281-b.pdf

For additional OCR complaints, findings, and resolution agreements involving Brookline Public Schools between 2020–2022, see the U.S. Department of Education OCR Search Portal:

https://ocrcas.ed.gov/ocr-search?sort_order=ASC...

We look forward to open dialogue and working together to ensure the civil rights of all students and families in Watertown are protected.

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