• Climate & Culture/Racial Equity Initiative Timeline

     

     August 2020

    • BOE appointed Dr. Gess LeBlanc as a contractor to support our Climate & Culture/Racial Equity initiative
    • Announced three Parent Focus Group Zoom meetings centered on the theme of Climate & Culture/Racial Equity to be facilitated by Dr. LeBlanc
    • Committee of teachers investigate curriculum review rubrics

     

    September 2020 

    • Dr. LeBlanc presented introductory PowerPoints for all HCSD staff during Supt. Conf. Days
    • September 15: Elementary Parents Focus Group facilitated by Dr. LeBlanc
    • Dr. LeBlanc presented an introduction and framework for the initiative into 2020-21 school year to the BOE & community
      • Three main goals:
        • School Climate
        • Curricular Review and Updates
        • Teacher/Staff Diversity
    • BOE discussion of district-level Climate & Culture/Racial Equity Committee
      • Building-level representation, each bldg. (15 members):
        • 1 teacher
        • 1 student
        • 1 support staff member
        • 1 parent
        • 1 administrator
    • District-level representation:
      • 1-2 Central Office administrators
      • 1 Board of Education member
      • 2-3 “at large” community members
    • Discussion of blind application process for membership
    • Dr. LeBlanc visited district buildings to meet with administrative team and staff
    • September 29: Middle School Parent Focus Group facilitated by Dr. LeBlanc

     

    October 2020 

    • October 6: High School Parent Focus Group facilitated by Dr. LeBlanc
    • Dr. LeBlanc began in-district teacher, staff & student in-district teacher, staff & student focus groups
    • Acceptance of district-level Climate & Culture/Racial Equity Committee applications

     

    November 2020 

    • Formation of district-level Climate & Culture/Racial Equity Committee
      • First Meeting November 17, 2020
    • Panorama Climate & Culture Survey selected for district-wide data collection
    • Dr. LeBlanc continued in-district teacher, staff & student focus groups

     

    December 2020 

    • Second Meeting of Climate & Culture/ Racial Equity Committee December 15, 2020
    • Established Committee Goals
    • Created Mission Statement: The mission of the HCSD Committee on Diversity, Inclusion, and Racial Equity is to identify and dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent equity and access for our most marginalized students by creating and implementing a sustainable plan for equitable opportunities and outcomes for all.

     

    January 2021 

    • January 26, 2021: Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Equity Committee meeting 
    • DIREC Committee established priorities for subcommittee focus
      • School/ District Climate 
      • Staff Diversity
      • Curriculum
      • Professional Development

     

    February 2021 

    • Panorama Survey administered district-wide to Students, Families, Faculty, and Staff
    • February 23, 2021: Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Equity Committee meeting
    • Subcommittees began research

     

    March 2021 

    • March 23, 2021:  Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Equity Committee meeting

     

    April 2021

    • District published results of Panorama survey to faculty, staff, and community
    • April 27, 2021: Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Equity Committee meeting

     

    May 2021

    • May 25, 2021: Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Equity Committee meeting

     

    July 2021

    • July 1, 2021: Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Equity Committee reported to BOE on work of the 2020-21 school year and goals and recommendations going forward
    • Teachers from Elementary, Middle, and High Schools engaged in curriculum review summer work

     

    August 2021

    • Teachers from Elementary, Middle and High Schools completed curriculum review summer work

     

    September 2021

    • Dr. Gess LeBlanc addressed and discussed District equity initiatives with all faculty and staff on Superintendent Conference Days
    • Dr. LeBlanc to resume student focus groups
    • September 28: Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Equity Committee to have first meeting of the new school year
    • Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Equity Committee accepting applications for new members-- to increase the presence of all stakeholders