About

  • The Smyrna School District's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition is a district committee that meets quarterly to review, discuss, and evaluate the DEI work being done throughout the district. The below subcommittees will meet to discuss their content areas and how their efforts can bring effective change to the district. 

Vision

  • The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition is committed to championing diversity by creating a welcoming environment where all students, educators, families, and all members of our 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.

Mission

  • 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.

Clarifying DEI Committees

  • The Smyrna School District DEI sub-committees will meet for 90-minutes on a monthly basis to confront the topics within their sphere of influence. With two co-chairs and armed with a year-long plan and a monthly agenda, committees will identify areas of concern and develop solutions to improve DEI in the districts.  The committees will report their progress, request feedback, and respond to questions during DEI Coalition meetings.

Practices and Policy Committee

  • In an effort to promote inclusivity and acceptance in the district, this committee will focus on confronting institutional inequities.  In particular, the committee will review the operations, policies, discipline, and teacher & student development throughout the district. 

    Chairs:

    Dainelle Hampton-Moorton

    Leslie Gregory

    Adirana Ignudo

    This committee will address district-wide DEI concerns including but not limited to:

    • Hiring

      • Recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion

    • Policies

      • Board Policies, Code of Conduct, etc.

    • District-Wide Issues

    • District Data

      • Discipline, Attendance, Enrollment, SEL, etc.

Community Relations Committee

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

    Chairs:

    Dr. Tiyana Mullen

    Jessalynn Kenton

    Amanda Pierce

    This committee will address district-wide DEI concerns including but not limited to:

    • Messaging

      • Website, Social Media, Mailings, and Personal Communication.

    • Service

      • Community outreach and support

    • Family & Community Engagement Events

      • Back to School, Fall Fest, I Love the SSD

      • Planning of new district events (cultural observances)

Curriculum and Instruction Committee

  • With a goal of promoting culturally responsive education, this committee will focus on the materials and practices that are being employed in classrooms throughout the district.  In particular, the committee will evaluate new and existing curriculum, develop units/lessons, analyze educational data, and research and promote classroom culturally responsive instructional practices.  

    Chairs:

    Alycea Pester

    Joy Bordley

    David Morrison

    This committee will address district-wide DEI concerns including but not limited to:

    • Materials

      • Adoption, Audit, and Development

    • Instruction

      • Culturally Responsive Classroom Practices

    • Assessment

      • Review of Data (Scores, Grades, etc)

School Culture Committee

  • The most immediate impact of any equity work takes place in our school. This committee will focus exclusively on creating inclusive schools that create a sense of belonging for all staff and students.  In particular, the committee will provide guidance on inclusive and equitable practices to promote a positive school culture and provide education and resources to recognize and celebrate diversity within the school.

    Chairs:

    Leon Clarke

    Shi'erra Hilliard

    Haley Griffin

    This committee will address district-wide DEI concerns including but not limited to:

    • Review Practices

      • Provide guidance on inclusive practices and feedback on inequities

      • Promote consistency across buildings

    • Develop Cultural Competency

      • Provide resources and opportunities to recognize and celebrate cultures