Quincy School Committee
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Subcommittee Meeting ~
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
A meeting of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Subcommittee was held on Wednesday, March 3 at 5:30 pm via Zoom. Present were Mr. Doug Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, Mrs. Courtney Perdios, and Mr. Frank Santoro, Subcommittee Chair. Also present were Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Gayle Carvalho, Ms. Colleen Connerty, Ms. Allison Cox, Ms. Peggy Farren, Ms. Julie Graham, Mr. Ryan Herlihy, Ms. Anna Hunt, Ms. Karen McPartlin, Mr. Christopher Natalizia, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Shaue-fung Peng, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Robert Shaw, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Ms. Florence Xia; Quincy Education Association President Sean Greene; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Superintendent Mulvey called the roll and introduced Senior Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile and the presenters representing the elementary, middle, and high school levels: Anna Hunt, Colleen Connerty, Karen McPartlin, Christopher Natalizia, Peg Farren, and Florence Xia. In addition, Principals Courtney Mitchell and Steve Sylvia are featured in the videos. The presentation is an overview of DEI Intiatives at all school levels.
The elementary Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives were created based on the Teaching Tolerance Anchor Standards and the VISIONS guidelines for difficult conversations. School-based DEI teams have been meeting since last summer to adapt curriculum, research curriculum materials that are representative of the schools’ populations, and creating daily space for honest & respectful communication. Schools are practicing daily check in and check out with in-person, hybrid, and remote students and classroom lessons that develop a growth mindset. Some elementary schools have completed family & community surveys and developed community-building evening events, such as one book, one school and parent book clubs. At the middle school level, the Point Webster Middle School initiative “Humans of Quincy Public Schools” was shared. Students are learning about how sharing their stories is a way for people to connect and learn about similarities and differences. The high school DEI groups are actively meeting and making connections by sharing their stories and working with school administrators on ways to expand access and make positive change through visual representation, celebrating cultures, expanding the literature offerings and historical perspectives in the classroom
Mrs. Lebo thanked all of the presenters and asked about Restorative Justice. Ms. Papile said that the training is underway at all levels. Ms. Papile said the parents, students, and staff have embraced these EDI initiatives and they have been rolled out differently at school sites.
Mr. Gutro said it is impressive how much has been accomplished in a short time and thanked the presenters for being leaders within their school buildings. Mr. Gutro asked if all students in elementary and middle schools participated in DEI activities and Ms. Papile confirmed. At the high school level, there has been universal implementation of the check in/check out process but others are optional. Mr. Gutro is concerned that if the high school initiatives are voluntary, those will not reach students that could use the exposure.
Mr. Gutro asked if the students involved in the Instagram posts are engaged, but the posts were anonymous and many of the students already graduated. Ms. Papile and Ms. Xia confirmed that students have not come forward for these stories to be investigated.
Mrs. Perdios also thanked the presenters, including parents in the discussion is an important part of the community building. At the elementary level, Clifford Marshall has donated books available for students who may not be able to purchase books at the book fair.
Mr. Santoro thanked the presenters for all of their efforts in making their schools a better place, making positive changes and providing platforms for voices to be shared.
Superintendent Mulvey thanked all the presenters for their efforts and spoke of the district-level Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team (administrators, staff, parents) who have been collaborating with VISIONS in the development of the surveys for students (Grades 6-12), parents, and staff. The surveys have been translated into Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Survey data will be shared with School Committee at an upcoming meeting. Superintendent Mulvey said Dr. Thomas Cavanaugh has been a valuable partner on Restorative Justice training. Superintendent Mulvey said that Quincy Public Schools is invested in these initiatives for the long term.
Director of Human Resources Allison Cox updated on the ongoing partnership with the Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity in Education. The MPDE has three inititatives, the first of which is the Virtual Recruitment Fair on March 31 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Thirty three districts are participating and candidates will be sought for anticipated employment openings. The second initiative is the Building Bridges Conference which will be held virtually on April 28. The third initiative is the development of a Pipeline Certification project, a cohort-based administrative licensure program at no cost to one staff member for each district for administrative licensure.
Mrs. Lebo asked about support for diverse staff members. Ms. Cox said that retention is an important component of recruitment, creating positive culture and climate for staff as well as students. The Educator Mentoring process will be adjusted to support these retention efforts.
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to adjourn the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Subcommittee meeting at 6:50 pm. Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.