Piedmont board hears DEIB annual update; district cites gains in student connectedness

Director Jean Takazawa and Assistant Superintendent Ariel Dolowich presented the district’s second annual DEIB update, describing staff training, student affinity mentorship, partnerships and early metrics.

Takazawa tied the work to two board policies passed in 2020 (racial equity and educational equity), described administrator training with the National Equity Project and outlined anti‑bias professional learning and student assemblies such as the "I Am Here" program. She said the district’s affinity mentorship began with six high‑school students in 2020 and has grown into a K–12 model that other districts have asked to replicate. "When our children are exposed to diverse identities, it helps all of our students build critical skills like cultural humility," Takazawa said.

Dolowich highlighted partnerships with organizations (National Equity Project, Social Justice for Learning, Mosaic Project) and previewed a K–12 scope and sequence for anti‑bias lessons. He described metrics from February 2025 showing Piedmont High School’s school connectedness rising from 76% to 83% year‑over‑year, and Panorama SEL survey results showing improvements in students feeling they have caring adults and a sense of belonging. Trustees asked about tracking incident recidivism and how to expand programming to middle school; presenters said improved quantitative tracking and design teams will be phased in next year.

The presentation generated substantial public comment from students and parents in support of DEIB work and the affinity mentorship program.