April 15th BOE Workshop on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
I hope this communication finds you and your family members in good health and good spirits.
Today, I am writing to inform you of the Board of Education Workshop this Thursday, April 15, on the topic of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our District. The workshop takes place in a virtual format, 7-8:30 p.m., and will be live streamed via www.ccsd.edu/boestream.
Principals, Assistant Principals, Administrators and I have been working on the presentation for this workshop, which includes the following objectives:
- To provide an understanding of why diversity, equity, and inclusivity are important in meeting the needs of our students.
- To share highlights of the District engagement with this work.
- To discuss actionable steps to move the work forward with all constituencies.
The important topic of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion directly connects to the Mission Statement of the Clarkstown Central School District as noted below:
CCSD, in partnership with the community, will meet the individual academic and social-emotional needs of all students within a safe environment while empowering them to reach their full potential in a complex society.
Our workshop coincides with the New York State Board of Regents launching today an initiative for the purpose of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our schools which, according to New York State Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr., includes “a call to action for all schools in New York State to develop policies that advance diversity, equity and inclusion as a priority in their schools.”
Chancellor Young stated, “After a year of turmoil and heartbreak, it is natural to wish for a ‘return to normal,’ but for far too many New Yorkers, the old normal is a place where people are traumatized daily by events, circumstances and the chronic lack of opportunities. I recognize that the scope of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework is daunting, but we cannot allow this opportunity for change to pass us by. We must seize this moment to redefine what is normal and possible for our students. I thank all of our educators in advance for their commitment to this critical endeavor.”
I look forward to our workshop and the opportunity to partner with all stakeholder groups in the school community as we engage in dialogue, set a vision, create a framework, and do the necessary work going forward that is in the best interest of all students and parents who we serve daily.
Thank you.
Stay strong! Stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Martin D. Cox, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools