2018-10-05-LHRC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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L LHRC Board Elections a. Chair Candidates—Bonnie Brodner and Sean Osborne b. Vice Chair Candidates—Tanya Gisolfi and Jeffery Toronto c. Clerk Candidate—Mona Roy Votes counted by Lt. Barry and Ms. Huang Winners in BOLD H. Making Lexington Public Schools (LPS) More Equitable—Dr. Julie Hackett, LPS Superintendent • Mr. Osborne introduced Dr. Hackett and referenced earlier conversations re: direction of LPS re: these issues and how can LHRC support these activities. • Dr. Hackett referenced many meetings with various LHRC members (including Ms. Brodner, Ms. Huang, and many meetings with Mr. Osborne) and that she felt her addition of Ms. Hamilton (METCO director at LPS)to the LHRC would be a clear asset to the group. • Dr. Hackett said that she came to the LHRC to discuss ongoing and upcoming LPS efforts related to equity. • Mentioned that as a candidate, Dr. Hackett was told the importance of the equity concerns and before she did background research on issues (reading, School Committee meetings on TV), and acknowledged the broken trust issues. • This summer, Dr. Hackett met with her Admin Council discussed some of the challenges, Thompson Island retreat, admin team talked about journey, dedicated to same things as LHRC, felt there was a communication issue, but also acknowledged that it was not just a communication issue as documented disparity exists. Used the term ("students of color"); dealing with racial issues, equity issues, meta- analysis, focus in on problem and focus in on solutions. • Post retreat and into the fall, the Admin Council developed a 40-page paper to reflect community concerns and initial ideas—but has asked that community to give feedback to inform the draft document. • Dr. Hackett discussed the suggestion of a moratorium on Category 18 (non-criminal) suspensions with Ms. Brodner and Ms. Huang but conveyed that the data collection methods vary from school-to-school and grade-to- grade, which is not an uncommon phenomenon in public education. Dr. Hackett noted that overall number of suspensions is relatively small (a total of 60 at LHS); however, disparities and gaps exist, and they need to be addressed. LPS is hesitant to put a moratorium on suspension as number of suspension incidents are small and there is inconsistent information on antecedents and standards for suspension in Category 18. • Dr. Hackett noted suspensions disproportionately affect students of color and disabled students. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE•LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420