In late June, the Yarmouth School Committee approved the creation of an Equity Task Force with the stated purpose of promoting inclusion, identifying systemic inequities, and illuminating all forms of institutional bias in the Yarmouth Schools pertaining to race, religion, country of origin, gender or gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic status, or any other protected category or group identity.  

 The Task Force will be advisory to the School Committee, Policy Committee and the District Leadership Team and may consider reviewing and making recommendations on topics such as, but not limited to:

  • Policies and Protocols
  • Curriculum
  • Programming
  • Instructional Materials 
  • Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention 
  • Community Seminars/Webinars/Forums 
  • Professional Development

We are excited to announce that we have confirmed the services of Lawrence Alexander, lead consultant for Carney, Sandoe & Associates’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practice to facilitate the Task Force.  We currently have a 15-member team participating in Maine’s first Cultural Competence Institute, of which Lawrence is the facilitator, and we are beyond pleased that he is available to work with us as we embark on this journey.

The Task Force will be comprised of (up to):

  • Two parent/guardians from each school in the district (8)
  • Two Yarmouth High School alumni (2)
  • Three Yarmouth High School students (3)
  • Two Harrison Middle School students (2)
  • Two staff members from each school (8)
  • Four members of the District Leadership Team (4)
  • Two members of the Yarmouth School Committee (2)

As much as possible, the composition of the Task Force will include underrepresented members of our community. 

We are now accepting nominations to the Task Force.  If you know of someone who may be a willing participant, please send us their name and contact information.  You may email any nominations to Laurie Brigham at laurie_brigham@yarmouthschools.org by Thursday, October 1 at 4:00 p.m.  We will reach out to those who are selected to fill the Task Force roles identified above, with meetings slated to begin in late October.

This work is important for all of us, and we recognize there are many who are passionate or curious about participating.  It is likely we will not be able to accept all who are nominated to this core working group.  However, it is our intent that this work will lead to greater involvement of a broad range of community members, and we will keep you apprised of those opportunities as they develop.