To the Editor:

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the Guilderland Central School District Board of Education will be starting its fourth year of work in September 2023. It is time to begin recruiting new members to the committee to replace those who have fulfilled their terms. We are seeking three students, one parent, three staff members, and one community member to fill eight openings.

The purpose of the DEI Committee is to provide direction, support, and oversight for the school district’s work to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive through its policies, practices, and programs. Since its inception, the 20-member committee has begun to fulfill its role by creating four working subcommittees (student voice, research, community engagement, and communication), continued to expand its presence on the district website, and engaged in professional learning by reading timely articles and books, including “A Place to Belong” by Amber O’Neal Johnston.

However, there is still a great deal of work ahead!

If you are interested in serving on this committee, please send a letter of interest to Dr. Marie Wiles, Superintendent of Schools, 8 School Road, Post Office Box 18, Guilderland Center, NY 12085 or email by Friday, April 21, 2023.

Your letter should include a statement of the reason(s) you would like to serve and highlight some of your experiences that demonstrate why you would be a strong contributor to this work. Your letter should also indicate your area of interest in serving on one of the committee’s four subcommittees, mentioned above. Please visit the DEI page on the district website for more information on the DEI Committee and its subcommittees.

The Guilderland Board of Education will review the letters of interest and appoint new members to begin on July 1, 2023 for a two-year commitment. We are excited to continue this critical work and look forward to working with members of our school community to make the Guilderland Central School District a place where everyone feels safe and valued. We look forward to hearing from you.

Marie Wiles, Ph.D

Superintendent, Guilderland Central School District