WINDHAM SOUTHEAST SCHOOL DISTRICT
Social Justice Committee
53 Green Street
Brattleboro, VT 05301
www.wsesu.org
NOTICE OF MEETING
The Windham Southeast School District Social Justice Committee will meet
remotely at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 via Zoom:
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AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER – 4:30 p.m. – Thomas Nolan
II. Approval of Minutes – March 17, 2021
III. Set Dates for Spring Equity/Diversity Trainings
IV. Update on Diverse Hiring Practices
V. NASBE Virtual Career Fair; Ed Week Virtual Career Fair
VI. Executive Session (if needed)
…..
Social Justice Committee March 17, 2021
Convened 4:33
Members Present- Thomas Nolan, Anne Beekman, Shaun Murphy, David Schoales,
Staff- Liz Dimick, Mikaela Simms
Public- Z Muhammad, Anne Louise Wagner, Shela Linton, Robin Morgan, Gillian Love, Crista Yagjian, trinity, Mark Tully,
Minutes from Feb 8 approved.
1. SRO- Admin advised it be taken up by BUHS Leadership Council.
Suggested that teachers and admin get trauma training; more counselors to support students; more accessible mental health services.
Importance of recording meetings emphasized.
Comments on how we create a process for discussing the SRO position that is welcoming and capable of undertaking this work. BUHS LC structure perceived as not supportive. How to create a space conducive to those who are most impacted sharing their experiences. The WSESD Board meeting and response were not conducive. Dismissal by admin of student experience at board meeting needs response and accountability. Complicit to not point this out. That presence makes the LC a threat rather than an opportunity. Whatever steps were taken were not effective- no sense of urgency or receptivity.
Substantial data indicates that safety is not improved; can become more dangerous with SRO. Issue in schools is more broad than just SRO. Needs to be addressed promptly- no action is an action. How to emulate the Brattleboro Community Safety Review Committee process. ACLU has surveys and experience and has offered support.
Committee has heard concerns and will look for alternative structure.
2. First Round of training sessions for board, admins, TL’s.
11 Hours total in 3 or 4 sessions in Dottie Morris and Mary Gannon plan- Responded to our request to have groups work together in order to better build community and accountability.
Idea is to start in April with all meeting together to explore personal awareness and build groundwork and common language; second session will be separate groups working on commitment and goal setting, going deeper and with more reflection; third session all together to explore what it is like to work together for equity; establish expectations for ourselves and each other.
3. Diverse Workforce progress- Thomas reported on the NABSE virtual career fair in two weeks.
It appears no progress has been made on adding a link to our “Ongoing Commitment” on the recruitment materials; no additional language re our initiative on advertising materials. HR Director and others have met and talked about drafts. Meeting minutes are available. Anne will share link.
Executive Session- Personnel issue. Entered at 6:12. Rise at 6:30.
Action- schedule another meeting soon with Andy to set dates; hear from HR Director.
Next meeting Tuesday 23 at 4:30.
Adjourned 6:34
