School Board Passes Diversity Task Force Motion 10-3

The Burlington School Board voted tonight to establish a Diversity Task Force to help the Board develop a strategic plan on achieving diversity. The motion passed 10-3. Commissioner Brennan requested a roll call vote; Commissioners Baker, Bedrosian, and Conger voted against the motion. The two student representatives on the Board voted in favor of the motion as did Commissioners Brennan, Chasan, Evans, Lane, O'Rourke, Matson, Pillsbury, King, Werbel, and Moreau. Below is the text of the motion that passed.

Motion to Authorize a Task Force on Diversity & Equity

"The Commissioners of the Burlington School Board hereby authorize the Chair to create a Task Force on Diversity & Equity, for the purpose of promoting student achievement in the Burlington School District through greater cultural competence and understanding of diversity, and to select and appoint members to serve on said task force.

The charge of this Task Force shall be to review, research, and further the Burlington School District's efforts to achieve the outcomes articulated in its Commitment to Diversity policy, which states in relevant part:

"The Burlington School District recognizes and values the diversity of our students, staff and community. The District is committed to a culture of diversity that reflects the voices, perspectives, and differences arising from our diverse community and world. We believe that it is important for students to understand and appreciate human diversity, develop a capacity for cultural competence, and commit to encouraging inclusion in their future lives."

"The District will adopt procedures and implement staff training intended to achieve a diverse and culturally competent school community, inclusive of diverse races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and spiritual beliefs, ages, and physical and learning abilities. The administration shall report to the Board annually on its progress, barriers, and outcomes."

The Task Force will review the District's efforts in these areas: socioeconomic integration, curriculum and instruction; the Hallmarks of Excellence initiative; affirmative recruitment, hiring, and retention; the Equity Council; staff cultural competency, including professional development opportunities and evaluation procedures; school climate; and family and community engagement. The Task Force will also identify areas of need and research strategies for improvement.

The Task Force will include members from the school board, administration, parents, public, and members of the Equity Council.

The Task Force shall report on its finding and recommendations for a multi-year strategic plan to further Diversity & Equity in the Burlington School District at the regular meeting of the Board in February, 2011."