2018-06-01-LHRC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mrs. Stembridge shared an additional incident that occurred on a kindergarten class visit to the library. A student made a comment that was generally recognized as a racist remark. The comment was then repeated by other students. A librarian became concerned when the teacher and other adults in the area did not intercede, stating that they did not hear the student's comments. The head of library services later reached out to the teacher who was with the class expressing that it was a missed learning opportunity. Mrs. Stembridge personally reached out to the school staff because she does not have staff with an early education degree looking to the experts on a best team response. Dr. Czajkowski expressed interest in a communication protocol whereby she would be notified of such incidents directly rather than the typical reporting response to department head or teacher. She also stated that maybe a department head meeting was needed, but a protocol needs to be put in place. She then asked her principal Mr. Mantellone to discuss the incident directly. Mr. Mantellone explained his understanding of the incident and asked to be contacted directly to discuss any future incidents. Lexington Public Schools Incident. Two Civil Rights coordinators, Ms. Visco & Ms. Viscosi, have been identified by the Superintendent to address diversity and equity inclusion. Recently, an internal hand-out was circulated by Ms. Visco to staff regarding complaints, discipline, suspension or removal from school, this was to all internal to staff and it is unclear if its purpose was to address staff or student complaints. Ms. Viscosi briefly, as time was limited, discussed a student focus approach with a goal to looking at each actual student. Ms. Viscosi mentioned Bystander training for students and staff, it was unclear if this is scheduled training, or training they are planning, or if it is training they would like to schedule. The Student Handbook was mentioned as now containing a guide for students and parents to submit concerns. A question was raised about how this submission works in practice, should concerns be emailed to a principal, teacher, or counselor, and is there a different protocol for students and adults. Ms. Viscosi identified a new online school bullying form. This same form may be accessed by all schools online. Ms. Viscosi recognized a partnership with the Lexington Community Coalition, and specifically mentioned Mrs. Zucker, Mrs. Roy and Ms. Overton for working to address bullying. LPS recognized there has not been uniformity of reporting and they are working on it as State anti-bullying laws require schools to address each and every specific protected class. Incoming Superintendent—Mr. Osborne mentioned we were asked to meet with the new Superintendent, a request for guidance/clearance from the committee was requested and a vote was taken. Ms. Brodner made a motion to vote to allow Chair, Vice Chair, & Clerk to discuss on-going issues with new superintendent, seconded by Ms. Anton. No additional discussion. The vote approved unanimously, no abstentions. Resolved: The Committee allows any combination of the Chair, Vice Chair, & Clerk to discuss on-going human rights issues with new superintendent. Announcement June 18, from 4-7 party at Depot, as a thank you to Principal Ant6n for her dedication to Bowman Elementary school, and recognition of 10 years of excellence. The Committee thanked Principal Ant6n because of Bowman's record of progress on human rights issues. — Board of Selectmen Annual Goal Setting Recommendations. Motion was made to submit the LHRC annual goals for recommendation to BoS, motion made by Mr. Khasnabish, Lt. Barry seconded: unanimous vote. All comments on the goals need to be to the Chair by 11:00. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE•LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420