Scituate committee reviews expanded role to combine SEL and DEI, tables final vote until Nov. 17

The Scituate School Committee on an evening meeting reviewed a draft job description for a new district-level Director of Support, Engagement and Advocacy — a position designed to combine coordination of social and emotional learning (SEL) with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) responsibilities.

"Tonight, we'll discuss a draft job description for a new leadership role in our district," the chair said, framing the discussion around the district's goal of embedding DEI work throughout the schools while addressing rising SEL needs.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Ra told the committee the district received 187 survey responses and summarized community feedback that ranged from urging the committee not to replace the position at all to suggestions for how a reimagined role could better serve students. "About a third of the responses did urge the committee not to replace the position at all. The other two thirds ... talked about different ways that we could look at the position," Dr. Ra said.

Dr. Ra described five core objectives in the draft description: coordinating evidence-based student supports through the district's MTSS framework; improving school culture and climate (including DEI); providing professional development and family engagement; ensuring policy and compliance with local, state and federal laws (including Title IX compliance); and overseeing implementation of evidence-based curricula such as SEL, DEI-related materials, bullying prevention, and digital literacy.

The draft lists minimum qualifications including a master's degree, about five years' experience, and preferred licensure as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or other mental health credential. Dr. Ra said the role would supervise adjustment counselors and work with principals and directors to organize existing programs rather than replace classroom instruction.

Committee members asked for clearer language in several areas. One member urged adding an explicit requirement for experience with data interpretation so the director could coordinate and analyze HSA/PARR data and evaluate whether the district is using its tools effectively. Multiple members recommended the position summary explicitly and unambiguously state that SEL and DEI are integrated responsibilities rather than separate or competing priorities.

Members also debated phrasing around curriculum oversight versus implementation; several emphasized that the role should advise, coordinate and support teachers and specialists (for example, health and wellness teachers and library media specialists), not be the primary classroom implementer of curriculum.

On structure and growth, members suggested including language about team-building and the ability to identify gaps so the role could scale into a department responsible for coordinating adjustment counselors and other supports across pre-K–12. Questions about licensure standards prompted clarification that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) administrative certification is commonly required to evaluate staff and could be appropriate for this district-level supervisory role.

Dr. Ra proposed the following timeline: approve the final job description at the Nov. 17 meeting; post the position in December for approximately a month; form a representative hiring committee led by HR and interview candidates in January; and aim for a Feb. 1 start date for the successful candidate.

The committee agreed to table the vote until Nov. 17 to permit incorporation of the feedback and to allow Dr. Ra to review additional community comments generated by keeping the survey open through the meeting. The meeting record shows the committee will hold a final presentation on Nov. 17 and then post the position.

Votes at a glance: the committee approved the Oct. 20 minutes as presented (motion made and seconded; the chair called the question and members answered, "Aye").

The meeting closed with brief logistical items and adjournment to the town's special meeting later that evening.