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Resident urges district to better support Black kindergarteners and diversify staff
Summary
A Forest Hills school community member told the board kindergarten children of color are struggling to see themselves reflected in staff and asked the district to expand training and recruitment.
Renee [Rotway/Broadway], who identified herself as working with young children, told the board she has twice encountered kindergarten students who were distressed that classroom adults were not Black and asked what the district is doing to support those children.
“When my student said, ‘My teacher’s blonde, the counselor’s blonde, everybody’s blonde. Where’s somebody like me?’ I said, ‘Well, I’m here,’” the speaker said. She described the emotional effect on children and urged the district to “dig deep” to help teachers and staff better understand and respond to the feelings of students of color.
Superintendent and staff remarks: a district official said recruiting and diversifying staff is a continuing priority. The superintendent noted recent postings for SCA positions and said the district is reviewing a diverse candidate pool and encouraged families to apply; staff also said they are working on training to improve teachers’ ability to support children who express identity-based concerns.
Why it matters: speakers said early elementary experience shapes children’s sense of belonging. Board members and staff acknowledged the concern and described active hiring and training steps, including expanded postings for support staff.
Ending: Staff said the district is actively recruiting and will prioritize diverse candidates for available SCA roles; no formal action was taken at the meeting.
