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Board outlines framework for Diversity & Inclusivity Task Force; leans toward one-year terms with hybrid community selection
Summary
The Syosset Board discussed structure, term lengths and membership selection methods for a Diversity & Inclusivity Task Force and signaled support for one-year terms (with possible staggering), quarterly plenary meetings and a hybrid selection combining stakeholder representation and a volunteer lottery.
The board discussed organizational options for a proposed Diversity & Inclusivity Task Force, focusing on terms of office, meeting frequency, how community members will be selected, subcommittee assignments, and the board’s role.
Trustees noted two options for term length: open-ended service until the task is complete versus defined terms. Several board members recommended defined terms to increase community participation and turnover; after discussion the board favored a one-year term with consideration of staggered schedules so that institutional memory persists.
On membership, the board favored a hybrid approach combining ex-officio stakeholder liaisons (PTA, clergy and other groups), PTA-nominated parents and a lottery for volunteers to open access to the broader community. The task force was proposed to meet quarterly with additional subcommittee meetings; the board discussed capping the task force at roughly 100 members divided into subcommittees.
Board members agreed to serve as ex-officio task force members but requested opportunities to engage proactively during the year rather than only receiving a year-end report. Administration said it would manage subcommittee assignments and help ensure continuity across years.
The board directed the administration to proceed with the organizational plan and to bring details back in September so recruitment and subcommittee charters could begin.
