Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity in Education
Equity Task Force Presentation to the Board of Education 6-20-23
At the June 20, 2023 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marco Pochintesta presented findings from the 2022-23 Equity Task Force. This presentation summarizes the work of the Committee through its proposed subcommittee outcomes, action steps for accomplishing the proposed outcomes, and planned timelines. This effort will continue to be a work in progress as the results from implementing each outcome are reviewed and measured.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity in Education
In its commitment to creating and maintaining a positive and inclusive school environment where all students feel safe, welcomed and accepted, the Pearl River Board of Education adopted policy #0105 Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity in Education on April 12, 2022.
Documents and Resources
PRSD Policy 0105
6-20-23 Board of Education Presentation
2-8-23 Equity Task Force - A View to the Work
12-12-22 Equity Task Form Presentation
11-30-22 Equity Task Force Presentation
11-9-22 Equity Task Force Presentation
10-26-22 Equity Task Force Presentation
10-12-22 Equity Task Force Initial Meeting PowerPoint
9-7-22 Equity Task Force Update
Equity Task Force
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity in Education policy calls for the establishment of an Equity Task Force. The role of the Task Force is to: “consult with the administration regarding specific prevention initiatives, including the adoption and/or revision of policies and implementation of practices designed to promote diversity, prevent discrimination, and assure equitable access to high quality education.”
The Equity Task Force will include the Superintendent and central office designees, faculty and employees selected by their collective bargaining associations, parents of current students selected by the parent teacher organization(s), and members of the community. On May 18th, an application was emailed to the school community to solicit interest in service on this Task Force. Over 100 applications were received from parents, faculty, staff and community members. Careful consideration was given to all candidates. Those selected represent a balanced and diverse representation of our schools and community.
Task Force members will be assigned to one of the following five subcommittees:
- Student Support
- Curriculum Materials
- Professional Development and Staff Support
- Community Education
- Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
The Equity Task Force will have its first meeting in early fall. As the Task Force moves forward with their work, we will update this page regularly. We thank the Task Force in advance for their service to our schools and to the broader Pearl River community.
Equity Task Force Updates
June 20, 2023 - At the BOE meeting, Dr. Pochintesta will give a presentation to the Board that will summarize the work of the Equity Task Force through its proposed outcomes, and action steps for accomplishing the proposed outcomes.
June 6, 2023- The Equity Task Force met to review the feedback of the faculty and staff on the subcommittees' outcomes, and to review the operational plans for the outcomes.
May 1, 2023 - Dr. Lisa Brady, DEI Task Force Facilitator, Dr. Pochintesta, and the Asst. Superintendents presented the draft DEI committee outcomes to the faculty and staff of Pearl River Middle School. A feedback survey was sent to all PRMS staff for their input on the DEI outcomes.
April 17, 2023- Dr. Lisa Brady, DEI Task Force Facilitator, Dr. Pochintesta, and the Asst. Superintendents presented the draft DEI committee outcomes to the faculty and staff of Pearl River High School. A feedback survey was sent to all PRHS staff for their input on the DEI outcomes.
March 20, 2023- Dr. Lisa Brady, DEI Task Force Facilitator, and Dr. Pochintesta, presented the draft DEI subcommittee outcomes to the faculty and staff of Evans Park Elementary, Lincoln Ave. Elementary and Franklin Ave. Elementary Schools. A feedback survey was sent to the elementary staff for their input on the DEI outcomes. Presentations to the HS and MS are scheduled for after spring break with an opportunity to receive feedback from the faculty and staff.
February 15, 2023- Each subcommittee presented their draft outcomes to the entire Task Force and received feedback and suggestions. The next step in the process is to present the draft outcomes to the faculty and staff for their feedback and suggestions.
February 8, 2023- Minutes from the February 1st meeting are posted. The next meeting will take place on February 15, 2023.
January 23, 2023- Minutes from the January 11th meeting are posted. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Update: The January 25th meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather.
December 20, 2022- Minutes and presentation from the December 12th meeting are posted. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 11, 2023.
December 9, 2022- Minutes an presentation from the November 30th meeting are posted. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 12, 2022.
November 15, 2022- Minutes and presentation from the November 9th meeting are posted. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
October 31, 2022- Minutes and presentation from the October 26th meeting are posted. The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 9, 2022.
October 17, 2022- Minutes and presentation from the first meeting are posted. The next Equity Task Force meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 26, 2022.
September 14, 2022 - Due to a number of calendar conflicts, the first meeting of the Equity Task Force has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 12, 2022.
September 7, 2022 - Dr. Pochintesta sent a letter to the school community announcing that Dr. Lisa Brady was approved by the Board to serve as a consultant/facilitator to the Equity Task Force. All members of the Equity Task Force received a book, How Good People Fight Bias: The Person You Mean to Be by Dolly Chugh, that will serve as a springboard for discussion as the group begins its work.