2023-02-08-LHRC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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TOWN OF LEXINGTON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, Feb 08, 2023 Conducted by Remote Participation LHRC MEMBERS PRESENT Tanya Gisolfi, Chairperson (TG), Mona D. Roy, Vice-Chair (MDR), Christina Lin, Clerk (CL), Salvador Jaramillo (SJ), Amber Iqbal (AI), Lexington Public School District - Larry Freeman (LF), Town of Lexington, Police - Collen Dunbar (CD), Town of Lexington, Human Services - Melissa Interess (MI), Town of Lexington, Selectboard - Mark Sandeen (MS), LPS K-5 ELA and Literacy Department Head , Sara Calleja (SC), LPS Superintendent, Julie Hackett (JH), LPS Director of Elementary Education, Caitlin Ahern (CA), LPS Director of Equity and Student Support, Johnny Cole (JC), LPS Director Planning, Assessments and Data, Maureen Kavanaugh (MK). Community attendees - Jesse Quattrocchi (coPresident of SEPAC/SPED), Nicole Locher (Head of the Lexington Parent Dyslexia Group), Carissa Black (CB) The minutes were taken by Christina Lin, LHRC Clerk • Meeting Called to order at. 8:45, Quorum was present. • A lot of praise and appreciation to the LPS team for the 4th annual systemic barriers report was voiced by every member of the LHRC and community members who spoke . LF - question on data about out-of-district (OOD) students regarding issues highlighted in the systemic barriers report such as demographics of students being placed OOD. Currently - there is no data on OOD in this report but can be incorporated in the future. JH pointed out that OOD are still part of the LPS system and should be included in this report going forward. A question about flow of OOD placement and whether those students return to LPS and also the racial breakdown of students placed OOD. SJ - question regarding DEI training for senior leadership at LPS and if the training for leadership position optional. Many of the veteran staff already had re levant training but they still choose to sign up for new trainings along with new staff. The required courses are 1 of 2 (12hrs/4-5wks or 25hr graduate level course) for year 3 educators. Often, 50% of staff/educators taking the course (5-7 times offered throughout the year) are veteran while the other half are new teachers. Additionally, there are professional trainings required for all staff during professional development including an upcoming session at LHS this upcoming Friday. Another trend noticed by an administrator is that trainings around DEI have progressed from optional after school to becoming integrated into regular professional development trainings and faculty meetings across all buildings. Additionally, many educators and administrators are taking the training even when not required. Feedback for the in-house trainings has been enthusiastic with great interest to continue the learning. TG - Concern expressed for how teachers are feeling overwhelmed in the current climate and whether there is pushback on taking the training. JH appreciated the concern for staff and assured that educators value the DEI work and training.