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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, CT
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE
October 13, 2021 ~ 5:00 PM
Virtual Meeting via BoardDocs and Zoom
MINUTES
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Joanne Rose, Suesen Hickey, Jessica Morozowich, Amy Domeika
(joined at 5:17PM)
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt
OTHERS PRESENT: BOE Chair Mary Tomasi
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair J. Rose called the meeting to order at 5:04PM.
2. *ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
4. *APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4.1 *Approval of Minutes from September 8, 2021 Meeting
Motion by: S. Hickey
To approve the minutes of the September 8, 2021 DEI Committee Meeting
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: S. Hickey, J. Morozowich, J. Rose
5. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
5.1 District DEI Committee Update
The District DEI Committee met on October 12, 2021. The Committee will continue to
review data on achievement, discipline, attendance, etc. At this time, this group will
proceed separately from the School Climate Committee. Discussion of school-based
committees ensued. Training opportunities with NCCJ are available to staff.
Superintendent Burt emphasized the need to properly identify areas of concern and the
root causes behind them prior to implementing changes. With a Town of Colchester
DEI committee also in place, there are many opportunities for involvement.
Committee member Amy Domeika joined at 5:17PM.
5.2 *Review BOE AdHoc DEI Committee Draft Goals
Chair Rose thanked Superintendent Burt for reviewing the draft goals of the
Committee, then shared each goal with the Committee. Discussion ensued on the goals
of this Committee. The draft goals are attached to these minutes.
Motion by: S. Hickey
To accept the goals of the BOE AdHoc DEI Committee as amended today, October 13,
2021.
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: S. Hickey, J. Morozowich, J. Rose
The goals of the Committee will be brought to the full BOE.
5.3 Establish BOE AdHoc DEI Committee Priorities
The Committee discussed ways in which they can brainstorm priorities. Establishing
definitions is the first step, as well as understanding goals and indicators. A survey
may be used to gather information and inform an action plan.
6. REPORTS
6.1 Discussion on Student Representation
While student members cannot be members of the Committee, Chair Rose raised the
question to the members of the Committee of how they can include student
representation without singling students out. Superintendent Burt will speak to Bacon
Academy Principal Matthew Peel and WJJMS Principal Chris Bennett about possible
avenues for student input. J. Morozowich suggested including WJJMS students as well.
This item was tabled.
7. OLD BUSINESS
7.1 Recommendations for Future Training Materials
Chair Rose shared that October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
The themes for this year are a focus on recovery from pandemic, and ensuring that those
with disabilities have full access and opportunity for competitive and integrated
employment.
Amy Domeika shared ideas for phone apps for those with vision impairments. She sat in
on a webinar on National Hispanic Heritage Month as well.
Suesen Hickey shared a children’s book recommended in the Embrace Race webinar she
attended: Ouch: Moments When Words are Used in Hurtful Ways by Dr. Michael
Genhart.
The Committee members expressed gratitude to the PTOs that the current book fairs
include many great social/emotional learning and DEI-related options for students.
8. NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Communications Discussion
Chair Rose is prioritizing the work to be done this month, and creating an action plan for
communications.
9. ESTABLISH NEXT MEETING PRIORITIES
10. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6:01PM.