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West Orange Way: district DEI committee introduces 18-month framework and school ambassadors
Summary
A new "West Orange Way" committee outlined an 18-month plan to build a district rubric for diversity, equity, access and inclusion, recruit building ambassadors and work with outside consultants to support Title I schools and professional development.
The district'level Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusion group that presented Monday called its effort the "West Orange Way" and told the board it will spend roughly 18 months building a rubric and supports for culturally responsive practice across every school.
Dr Orange Jones introduced the committee and said the group sought a locally rooted name "so that we can sustain the work even if national terminology shifts." Joel Casio, a principal and committee member, said the structure includes building-based ambassadors (one to four per school) who will receive training and turn key learning to their colleagues.
The committee announced that consultants will support the work: Dr Tanya Breeland and Dr Erica Leak (TSO), Christopher Finn (Freedom Inc.) and April Stevens (Landing on Purpose). The consultants will model professional development on issues such as recognizing microaggressions, culturally responsive instruction and building strategies targeted to Title I school needs.
Why it matters: Committee members said the goal is to create measurable practices so every West Orange Public School building fosters a sense of belonging and has consistent standards to assess equity and inclusion work. The committee emphasized partnerships with principals and targeted support for multilingual learners and disadvantaged students.
Next steps: The group said it will continue work with building ambassadors and bring periodic updates to the board over the coming 18 months.
Provenance: Presentation and discussion of the "West Orange Way" occurred from introduction SEG 143 through committee close SEG 372.
