The Framingham School Committee's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Subcommittee convened on October 17, 2024, to discuss ongoing efforts to enhance equity and belonging within the district. The meeting focused on the development of a data-driven approach to monitor progress and engage staff in meaningful conversations about their experiences.

The session began with a discussion led by committee members about the importance of establishing relevant metrics to assess equity and belonging. A proposal was made to create a dashboard that would allow the committee to track these metrics quarterly. This dashboard would not only highlight quantitative data but also incorporate qualitative feedback from staff regarding their sense of belonging and retention within the district.

Committee member Mr. Robles emphasized the need for clarity in defining these metrics, suggesting that regular assessments could help identify growth areas and inform future actions. The conversation underscored the necessity of engaging staff at all schools to gather insights on their experiences and feelings about equity.

Dr. Bobin contributed to the discussion by advocating for the inclusion of previous reports and assessments in the committee's ongoing work. He highlighted the importance of not overlooking past audits and recommendations, such as the 2020 equity audit and various special education assessments. Dr. Bobin proposed that the subcommittee should actively revisit these documents to ensure that valuable insights are not lost and that actionable recommendations are considered.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to integrate these discussions into the subcommittee's goals, ensuring that the monitoring of progress includes a review of past assessments. The members agreed on the importance of maintaining a continuous dialogue about equity and belonging, with plans to revisit these topics regularly throughout the school year.