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Wayland expands DEB team, restorative practices and student programming; awarded $50,000 hate-crime prevention grant
Summary
The district announced new DEB lead-teacher roles funded by a METCO REI Equity Implementation Grant, expanded restorative-practices training and a pilot 'Rehearsal for Life' program; administrators also reported receiving an additional $50,000 hate-crime prevention grant for FY26.
Caroline, Wayland's director for Diversity, Equity and Belonging (DEB), updated the School Committee on Dec. 18 about staffing, programming and recent grant funding that will support schoolwide inclusion and restorative practices.
Caroline described a new set of lead-teacher roles across buildings funded by a METCO REI Equity Implementation Grant; some buildings share stipends across two lead teachers, others have a single lead. "It's been a goal of mine for the last... five years," Caroline said, explaining the paid lead roles are intended to build capacity inside each school.
Why this matters: The district said the lead-teacher structure is intended to scale DEB work by creating embedded expertise in each building rather than relying on one central director. Caroline emphasized that building adult capacity and creating teacher-student connection are central to student outcomes.
Programs and training: Presenters described a pilot 'Rehearsal for Life' (improv-based assembly plus pre/post debrief) at the middle school, restorative-circle training used in morning meetings, faculty professional development and an advisory-council model at the high school to surface local needs. Administrators and teachers also received trainings tied to a new non-discrimination protocol drafted with consultant Suzanne Kennett Kenny and updated Title IX guidance; the administrative council received additional investigator training.
Diversity and retention: The DEB team described teacher-diversification and retention work, including a district presentation at the Medco Leadership Conference emphasizing adult belonging as a retention strategy.
New grant funding: Caroline announced the district was awarded another $50,000 in hate-crime prevention grant funding for FY26, which will continue to fund restorative practices, DEB leadership teams and a community book read and associated programming.
Next steps: Listening sessions with an equity consultant are scheduled for Jan. 8; Caroline said lead-teacher work and program evaluation will continue and that the district will pursue funding options beyond the one-year grant when possible.
