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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Valley Central wants all children in our care to feel safe, valued, and above all heard. As a district, we must all be committed to identifying and resolving racial differences in the experiences, education, and well-being of our students. Together, we must lead the change that will create lasting equity for all people in our community. We must support efforts that will give all of us the tools we need to combat racism, oppression, and hateful acts in all forms. Our staff and administrators continue to be trained in culturally responsive teaching in order for all of us to better understand and work with all of our children, especially our children of color.

Every student in the Valley Central School District needs to know that they are valued, respected, and loved.

This committee was formerly known as the Racial and Social Equity Committee.

This is an advisory committee established by the Board of Education with the goal to drive accountability for our schools with respect to the fair and inclusive treatment of all students.  

The charge of the committee is to: 

  • review District Curriculum so that it reflects diversity and provides the ability to thrive in a multicultural society
  • focus on staff diversity and inclusion
  • promote cultural literacy among all staff members
  • assure fair and equal treatment of all students 
  • evaluate the effectiveness of the District effort regarding equity

Since NYSED established a Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Framework in 2018, Valley Central has focused on achieving this as an institution. 

Culturally responsive-sustaining (CR-S) education is grounded in a cultural view of learning and human development in which multiple expressions of diversity (e.g., race, social class, gender, language, nationality, religion, ability) are recognized and regarded as assets for teaching and learning. There are four principles that must be present to consider oneself a culturally responsive school district

  • A welcoming and affirming environment
  • High expectations and rigorous instruction
  • Inclusive curriculum and assessment
  • Ongoing professional learning

Culturally Responsive Education at Valley Central

Valley Central has employed a consultant, Dr. Gesso LeBlanc an expert in creating environments for Culturally Inclusive Education. His work has been primarily in staff development with our Middle School and High School and all district administrators. 

Dr. Gess LeBlanc is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations and Counseling Programs within Hunter College’s School of Education. Dr. LeBlanc is a developmental psychologist who has researched how children’s experiences at home, in their classrooms, and within the communities influence their learning and engagement in school.

Dr. LeBlanc taught us that a culturally responsive classroom includes the following: high academic and behavioral expectations, positive student-teacher relationships, healthy school and community ties, research-based teaching methods and student-focused lessons.

Cultural Inclusiveness at Valley Central

Prior to working with Dr. LeBlanc, VC addressed expanding our cultural inclusiveness with the establishment of a Cultural Diversity Club at the High School, the creation of courses at the High School that explore Race, Identity and Justice and World Issues. Culturally inclusive literature expansion has take place at all of our elementary libraries as well as our secondary libraries. Our dress code was modified to be more culturally inclusive. 

Cultural Responsive Work at VCSD

  • A strong Social and Emotional Learning Initiative
  • Hired a Consultant on Culturally Inclusive Education, Dr. Gess LeBlanc who has worked with staff and students in the Middle and High Schools
  • Cultural Diversity Club at the High School
  • Creation of A Race, Identity and Justice Course at High School
  • Professional Development for Faculty
  • Procurement of Racially Inclusive Literature for all Elementary Schools
  • Created an ad hoc Racial Equity in Education Committee
  • Modified the Dress Code (part of VC Code of Conduct) to be culturally responsive
  • Appointing a District Equity Coach

Method for Complaints to be Made

VCSD has very clear expectations about student behavior. As our policies require, we encourage the reporting of any misconduct regardless of severity. The District promptly and thoroughly investigates these allegations. While some investigations can be quick, others require more time. In either case, we will not rush an investigation or rush to judgment. If an investigation determines that disciplinary action should be taken, that is a private matter between the District, and the family. The District is obligated under the law to follow the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Accordingly, the District is not permitted to share information on the outcome of any student discipline with the public. 

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