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Hoosac Valley Regional School Committee appoints DEIB advisory committee, reviews attendance trends
Summary
The committee voted 3-0-1 to appoint members to a new DEIB advisory committee after a district DEIB update; Superintendent Aaron Dean also reported attendance averages below a 95% goal and noted changing MCAS reporting requirements.
On Nov. 18, the Hoosac Valley Regional School Committee voted to appoint a roster of members to a DEIB advisory committee for the 2024–25 school year and received a district update on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging work.
Superintendent Aaron Dean outlined DEIB efforts including reset/student-support spaces, partnerships with the Elizabeth Freeman Center and the district attorney's office, applied-learning shifts and a push to ensure celebrations and holiday activities are inclusive and tied to curriculum. Dean presented a list of proposed advisory members and committee Vice Chair Erin Milne moved to appoint the group; John Duval made the motion, Andy Przystanski seconded and the vote was recorded as 3-0-1.
Dean also reviewed attendance data: current averages are 92.9% at the high school, 93.8% at the middle school and 94.2% at the elementary level, with a district goal of 95%. He reported that the district's "on track" student metrics were roughly 85% elementary, 82% high school and 83% middle school and noted attendance has risen from the low 70s in previous years.
During discussion Fred Lora asked whether holiday decorations and classroom activities will be managed by principals and tied to learning; Dean said projects should be connected to curriculum and sought balance and neutrality so celebrations reflect all students.
Under new business, Fred Lora noted that MCAS is no longer a graduation requirement; Dean said reporting requirements will change but added that specific new reporting expectations are not yet known. The committee adjourned at 8:50 p.m. by unanimous vote on a motion by Robert Tetlow and second by Andy Przystanski.
