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DEI advisory unveils equity vision; CLAC discusses student survey, accessibility audit and compliance steps
Summary
The district’s DEI advisory committee presented an approved equity vision statement to CLAC and outlined plans for a high-school student survey, an accessibility audit of facilities and steps to address CLAC membership and minutes compliance.
Mary Lopresti, a parent and member of the DEI advisory committee, presented the committee’s approved equity vision statement to the CLAC and sought feedback on survey and rollout approaches.
“ The emphasis here is, is on all belonging,” Lopresti said as she introduced the statement the committee had drafted and the committee’s plan to roll it out internally to staff before a broader community rollout in the fall. She said two high-school students on the committee are drafting a student survey to gather input on how the district can foster belonging and asked CLAC for suggestions on accessibility and accommodations for students who may not be able to participate in assemblies or standard surveys.
Members discussed practical accessibility features for surveys and assemblies — voice-reader compatibility, increased font size, visual cues and alternative ways for students with communication needs to respond (for example, parent-assisted completion). Several parents and staff suggested focus groups and peer-buddy input in addition to written surveys. Mary Lopresti asked for ideas on questions and said students’ voices could inform future district planning.
The committee also discussed a proposed accessibility audit covering entrances, elevators, accessible parking, bathrooms, playground surfacing and policy language. Lopresti described the audit as a checklist-driven review the DEI advisory committee would like to pilot with facilities staff to identify where compliance meets minimum ADA standards and where improvements could increase day-to-day accessibility and belonging.
Separately, CLAC members reviewed an email from a community member raising questions about compliance with CLAC bylaws and state expectations for parent advisory groups. Speakers said the CLAC should confirm that its membership composition and recordkeeping (attendance/minutes) meet bylaw requirements and suggested short-term steps: obtain the bylaws, document attendance, designate a consistent minute-taker and clarify membership categories so CLAC can meet formal voting and quorum rules.
Impact and next steps: The equity vision statement is approved and will be rolled out to staff; the DEI advisory committee will finalize a student survey (initially for high school) with accessibility accommodations and pilot an accessibility audit with facilities staff. CLAC leaders will review bylaws and identify actions to confirm compliance and improve recordkeeping.
