About

Out of a desire to elevate the focus of equity, the Smyrna District determined that a committee should be formed to call out specific areas of emphasis and advance educational equity. The Smyrna District Diversity Team was formed in the Spring of 2021. The group was restructured in 2023 to become the Smyrna School District Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition. This group meets quarterly to review, discuss, and evaluate the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the district.

Vision

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition is committed to championing diversity by creating a welcoming environment where our students, educators, families, and all members of the community are valued and feel a sense of worth and belonging. The district will be a reflection of our community; representing, valuing, and promoting the voices and individual needs of all cultures, backgrounds, and identities.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition will be intentional in employing a meaningful and actionable lens of equity and inclusion in reviewing the practices and outcomes of the Smyrna School District. The DEI Coalition will identify and implement strategies for a more diverse district through inclusive curriculum, policies, practices, and outreach in an effort to dismantle systemic barriers, create equitable opportunities, and foster an authentic sense of belonging for all.

Smyrna School District rests on the ancestral and traditional homelands of the Lenape and Nanticoke tribes. We honor them by implementing this land acknowledgment as a responsible act of understanding our roles and relationality to this land. Further, we acknowledge the contributions of all Indigenous people and their continuing struggle to dismantle the effects of colonialism.

As part of the Smyrna School District Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition, separate committees meet for 90-minutes on a monthly basis to confront equity issues that fall within their specific area of concern. Facilitated by district personnel, organized with a year-long plan and prepared with a monthly agenda, committees identify areas of concern and develop solutions to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in the district. The committees report their progress, request feedback, and respond to questions during quarterly DEI Coalition meetings.

In an effort to promote inclusivity and acceptance in the district, this committee focuses on confronting institutional inequities. In particular, the committee reviews the district's operations, policies, discipline, and teacher & student development. The committee presents recommended changes to district leadership.

Recognizing that perceptions, communication, and outreach are important components of all equity work, this committee focuses on public-facing communications and events to ensure the district remains connected to stakeholders. In particular, the committee ensures that communication, events, and outreach programs are designed to be responsive to the needs of our community to promote inclusivity and create a sense of belonging for all in the community.

To promote a culturally responsive education, this committee focuses on the materials and practices that are being employed in classrooms throughout the district. In particular, the committee evaluates new and existing curricula, develops units/lessons, analyzes educational data and research, and promotes culturally responsive instructional practices in classrooms.

The most immediate impact of any equity work occurs in our schools, this committee focuses exclusively on creating a welcoming and affirming school environment that creates a sense of belonging for all staff and students. In particular, the committee guides inclusive and equitable practices to promote a positive school culture and provide education and resources to recognize and celebrate diversity within the school.