District outlines site DEI goals; teachers report classroom practices to reduce hate speech and build belonging

District equity staff presented a progress update on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work across elementary and secondary schools, describing site-based goals and actions intended to strengthen belonging, reduce incidents of hate speech and align professional development.

District DEI staff said elementary schools are focusing on belonging, safety, disability awareness and classroom lessons tied to inclusive practices, and cited examples such as door-decorating contests and classroom lessons. Secondary schools emphasized student voice, advisory lessons, equitable grading and peer-led anti-hate campaigns; staff described mentorship programs and classroom role‑playing for teachers to address microaggressions.

DEI leads said sites currently measure progress in different ways — student perception surveys, discipline-referral data, teacher observations and artifacts — and asked the district to provide a small set of shared, districtwide goals and measurement norms so site work can be compared and scaled. Site leaders also requested clearer selection/onboarding for DEI leads and noted time and compensation concerns for staff who do additional DEI work.

Board members asked staff to flag any policy gaps and to return with recommendations about support, metrics and possible stipends for site leads. DEI staff said they will continue to convene site leads and refine metrics and resources for school sites.

Next steps: DEI staff will propose a short set of districtwide goals, improved metrics and suggested supports (including potential stipends and meeting cadence) for board review and future reporting.