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DEI

Our DEI Commitment

Welcome! We’re so happy you have an interest in the important work of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are striving every day to provide equity and a sense of belonging for the students, staff and community members we serve.

At Madison-Oneida BOCES, we encourage and support diversity, equity and inclusion. Our mission is to create an inclusive, respectful, and barrier-free learning and working environment. The DEI Steering Committee empowers students, staff, families and community members to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in support of building mutual trust, confidence and respect.

BOCES programs, services and opportunities will be provided equitably and in a manner that recognizes diversity and the unique backgrounds and life experiences of its students, staff and community members.

Our Why

We cultivate and embrace diversity in the workplace to:

  • Enhance creativity and innovation
  • Encompass a broader range of skills and talents
  • Improve decision-making
  • Increase employee engagement and retention
  • Better understand diverse needs
  • Provide a sense of belonging for everyone we employ and serve

 

DEI Committee Current Focus Areas and Goals

Our committee is currently overseeing subcommittee work in the following areas:

HR/Retention

Increase employee satisfaction & engagement, resulting in increased employee retention

Climate & Culture

Create and maintain a positive climate and culture for all employees

Holidays/Celebrations

Provide the visibility of DEI initiatives and provide resources to support the education of and respect for diversity within our BOCES and beyond

Student Records/ Intake

Provide a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff, specifically those deciding gender choices to help them feel recognized, accepted, and valued, which in turn aids with suicide prevention

CTE Marketing/ Access

Decrease waitlisted student numbers for CTE due to enrollment opportunities and levels of learners from special populations are maintained, if not increased

 

 

Committee Members

Scott Budelmann

District Superintendent & CEO

Kane Calabro

Principal, Intense Management Needs

Rebecca Copp

Director of Staff & Curriculum Development

Phylicia Gordon

Network Administrator

Rich Hammett

Telecommunications Specialist

Rachel Helmer

Career & Financial Management Teacher

Karen Kloss

Special Education Teacher

Kim Kolch

Labor Relations Specialist

Randy Raux

Adult Education Senior Coordinator

Cheri Schmalz

SCD Planning & Implementation Specialist

Brenda Wolak

Director of Adult Education

KEY TERMINOLOGY

  • DIVERSITY: Refers to the collective mixture of differences and similarities among people including but not limited to age, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, family structure, language, religion, learning styles, and physical or mental abilities.
  • EQUITY: Refers to the process of ensuring fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all given their background, identity, or circumstances while striving to eliminate barriers.
  • INCLUSION: Involves creating a culture in which all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported for who they are.
  • BELONGING: A human emotional need to feel appreciated, validated, accepted, and treated fairly within an environment.
  • ALLYSHIP: When a person of privilege works in solidarity and partnership with a marginalized group to intentionally change systems that challenge that group’s basic rights, equal access, and ability to thrive in our environment.
  • SAFETY: A basic human need met by creating an environment that provides physical security and cultural acceptance to promote emotional well-being.
  • IDENTITY: An individual sense of self.