• The WTPS Equity Council supports our District’s DEIB vision and ongoing work in creating a more equitable, inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and community members. This council has, and continues to be, engaged in conversation as it critically reviews policies and recommends implementation of practices designed to promote diversity, facilitate growth in becoming a culturally competent school community, and improve access, opportunity, and outcomes for all students. 

     

    How do I become a member? 

    The Equity Council invites members of the district and the community at large to join the Council. The Council seeks members that reflect the community with regard to a range of demographic categories, including, but not limited to, socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, ability, race, religion, sexuality, and family structure. The Council seeks to achieve the following membership make-up to represent the community.

    Note: Upon becoming a member of the WTPS Equity Council, every individual must enroll in the Equity Foundations Course, consisting of eight learning modules. The WTPS trainers will aid and guide participants to ensure that all members undergo the necessary training during their first year on the Equity Council. Student members who are enrolled in high school courses associated with equity and/or social justice will participate in an abbreviated Equity Foundations course.

    To ensure diverse voices are heard, the Equity Council will actively seek to achieve the following representation:

    โ— 1 parent and 1 teacher per school

    โ— 1 administrator each for elementary, middle, and high school levels

    โ— 1 representative from the curriculum department

    โ— 1 representative from the special education department

    โ— 1 family member whose child is enrolled in the 18-21 y/o program

    โ— 1 family member whose child learns in an out-of-district placement

    โ— 1 representative from human resources department

    โ— 1 representative from the WTPS Office of DEIB

    โ— 4 representatives of WTPS support staff

    โ— 2 additional administrators and/or supervisors

    โ— 2 Board members โ— 7 or more student liaisons/recent alumni

    โ— 5 to 7 Washington Township residents not employed by the district 

     

    Equity Council Member Commitment

    1. The Equity Council conducts itself in accordance with the Washington Township Public Schools Community Norms (based on the REDI Agreements) attached hereto.
    2. Facilitate the surveying of the community to gather feedback and engage the WTPS Equity Council on identified issues 
    3. Complete DEIB Foundations training 
    4. Actively attend and participate in Equity Council meetings; to assume leadership positions on the Equity Council and subcommittees, participants must attend 75% of Equity Council meetings. 
    5. Serve on at least one subcommittee. The subcommittees will be determined at the start of each school year based upon the goals of the Equity Council.