Equity, hiring diversity and a cut equity post drew yes/no endorsements from Lowell candidates

During a lightning-round section on equity, Lowell School Committee candidates answered yes/no questions about reinstating the director of equity position, diverse curriculum materials and hiring practices.

Organizers asked whether candidates would support reinstating the district’s director of equity position; candidates signaled support during the session. A series of rapid questions also drew majority support for teaching the contributions of historically marginalized groups in K–12, providing books that reflect diverse races, cultures and family structures, prioritizing diverse teacher hiring and conducting districtwide equity audits every three years.

On hiring bias, candidates acknowledged the problem and described steps taken or needed. Sherry O'Connor Barbosa said she believed there was “a conscious bias” and called for transparency in hiring and a diversity dashboard that distinguishes teachers from paraprofessionals. Connie Martin said the district has begun training hiring managers on unconscious bias and stressed the importance of placing educators “who look like [students] and have their experience” in front of classrooms. Dominic Lehi described bias as persistent and called for ongoing professional development to address it.

What was not decided: The forum captured candidate positions; no formal policy was adopted. Candidates differed on implementation specifics and called for further work on transparency and recruitment pathways.

Ending: Candidates urged voters to consider equity and staffing priorities as they evaluate candidates before early voting and Election Day.