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Equity advisory committee urges earlier family outreach, teacher training; county staff pledges continued collaboration
Summary
The Henrico County Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee (EDAC) presented its 2025–26 annual report to the school board, announced officers and membership, and recommended earlier family communication, translated quick‑reference materials and professional development; district staff said it will continue collaborating across divisions and advisory groups.
Charmaine Eaglin, chair of the Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee, told the Henrico County School Board that the committee has focused this year on improving access to pathway information and reducing barriers for students and families.
"The EDAC is pleased to report the election of yours truly, Charmaine Eaglin as chair, Matt Wells as vice chair, and Alma Zeed as secretary," Eaglin said as she outlined the committee's membership and the bylaws limit of 20 voting members. She described EDAC as composed of parents, students, HCPS staff and community members from each of the five magisterial districts and said the committee met five times during the year.
Eaglin highlighted the EDAC's goals for the 2025–26 school year, including increased professional development on teaching diverse student populations, clearer family communication earlier in students' grade progression about high‑school pathway options, use of QR codes to give families direct access to college and career planning platforms, and one‑page translated quick‑reference documents for grade‑level navigation.
Tiffany Lewis, the district's chief EDO officer, framed the committee's recommendations within the district's 2030 strategic plan and told the board that administration is committed to working with EDAC and related divisions. "HCPS administration is committed to continued collaboration with the EDAC through the division of empowerment, development, and opportunity, the division of learning, the division of family and community engagement, our communications division, [and] our division of school leadership," Lewis said, adding staff will review professional learning practices, student support and wellness data, and existing pathway options.
Board members asked how EDAC's work will intersect with other advisory bodies. Missus Kinsella thanked the presenters and asked whether the professional development and family‑communication work would include the Student Health Advisory Board (SHAB). Lewis said EDAC plans to collaborate with other advisory committees to leverage existing efforts.
Missus Atkins urged EDAC and staff to consider age appropriateness when communicating pathway information. "Think simply about the simplicity of the age when it comes to empowerment and development and opportunities," Atkins said, and suggested adding focused outreach about Maggie Walker.
Missus Shea and Mister Young also praised EDAC's attention to reducing systemic barriers and simplifying communications so families can access district resources. "The EDAC is as diverse as it gets," Mister Young said, praising the committee's membership and recommendations and saying he looked forward to continued work.
The board did not take a formal vote on the report; district staff said they would continue collaborative work with EDAC and other advisory committees and are available to answer follow‑up questions.
