Wilton school district details diversity and inclusion policy
WILTON — The Board of Education is dedicating itself and the school district to becoming more diverse and inclusive.
The most recent updates to the drafted Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy were unveiled at the latest BOE meeting where board member Ruth DeLuca said that the Policy Committee used “appropriate purposes, parameters and best practices” to determine its outlines. The policy, once finalized and approved, will be used as a basis for future decisions regarding diversity made around the district.
Chairwoman Deb Low said that the policy will be reviewed once more and then voted on at the June 9 meeting.
“The policy further defines diversity, inclusion and equity/equal opportunity, the policy then directs the superintendent to promulgate regulations and establish plans and procedures as maybe necessary to accomplish the policy’s purpose and intent in governance, teaching and learning, family and community engagement, and workforce diversity,” DeLuca said to the BOE.
The policy seeks to establish a districtwide DEI Advisory Committee that is “representative of all stakeholders, including students, to advise, monitor and report on the implementation of this policy.” It also promises to use data to eliminate any “district and school-based policies, structures and practices that maintain inequities or contribute to disproportionate access and outcomes.”
Simply put, Low said Monday that the policy is a way “to continue what we have started” in terms of promoting a more diverse and inclusive environment.
Part of the policy’s influence on teaching and learning will include eliminating biases in curriculum, promoting programs that enhance a student’s self-identity, self-confidence and self-efficacy, and to strengthen staff ’s knowledge of certain topics to “improve outcomes for all students.”
Low referred to the “window and mirror” analogy when discussing the policy, noting that when a student can look into a curriculum and see things they can directly identify with, that mirrors their experience, while also being able to take a look, as if through a window, to experiences they might not personally identify with.
The policy also states that it will “attract, recruit, develop and retain a diverse workforce in all areas and at all levels, one that reflects our students, our community, our region and one that expands our understanding of other people, places and cultures.”
The policy specifically lays out its definitions for the three titular terms.
Diversity is listed as “the representation of the world’s various identities and differences (including, but not limited to, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, ability, alienage, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital status, age, and veteran status) in our organization and in our work with students.”
Equity is “reflected in policies and practices that ensure fair treatment, equality of opportunity and fairness in access to information and resources.”
The draft was received favorably by each member of the board who spoke.
“Teaching and learning will promote mutual respect, civility, diversity of thought and ideas and positive communication in the classroom and community,” DeLuca said of the policy.
Mark Howard LeMoult, age 59, of Norwalk, lost his life suddenly while behind the wheel of his cherished 1968 Pontiac Catalina on Monday afternoon, May 23, 2022. Born in Bronxville, NY, the son of the late Adolph LeMoult and Carole Calkins Furgess, he was raised in Westport and had been a lifelong area resident. He attended Staples High School and graduated from The Culinary Institute of America. Mark was a highly esteemed chef and leader in his industry. His culinary vocation began at the age of 13, squeezing limes at Viva Zapata, where his love for the industry blossomed. Mark went on to work at some of the area’s finest establishments including Café Christina in Westport, the Hudson River Club and Rainbow Room in NYC and Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich. He had been the Executive Chef at the Field Club of Greenwich for the past 14 years. He met his adored fiancée, Elizabeth, while working together 21 years ago at Beacon Restaurant in Stamford. One of the highlights of Mark’s professional career was serving as the President of the Club Chefs of Connecticut from 2006-2010. Because of his loyal dedication to his craft and the Field Club, Mark zealously worked nights and weekends limiting his attendance at many personal functions, affectionately earning him the family nickname of “The White Rhino” as sightings were elusive but exciting to all.
An incredibly dedicated father, Mark enjoyed camping, river rafting and spending as much quality enjoyment with his sons as possible. He always carved time out of his busy schedule to have “Tuesday Dad Days,” many of which were spent barbecuing and cheering on the NY Yankees. Mark would check in with his boys daily and had the utmost pride in them both. His favorite places to visit were Lake George and Cape Cod with family. He was an avid NY Yankees fan (especially of Paul O’Neil #21) and absolutely loved to get his hands dirty planting in his garden. He cherished his two dogs Leo & Teddy and loved mornings at the dog park and walks through the neighborhood. He was a true cigar aficionado and relished his evening smoke to relax after a long day. Mark and Elizabeth enjoyed entertaining in the backyard with friends and family around the firepit, concerts at the Levitt Pavilion and experiencing wonderful meals at local restaurants where Mark reveled in supporting other industry & hospitality professionals.
All those who knew him will always remember his roaring laugh, unyielding hugs and his gentle heart and soul. Mark’s legacy will live on through his two dynamic sons, Scott LeMoult of Stamford and Eric LeMoult of Fairfield; his loving fiancée, Elizabeth Kenny of Norwalk; three revered brothers, Michael LeMoult and his wife Mary of Trumbull, Chris LeMoult and his wife Carole of Trumbull and Kevin LeMoult of Murrells Inlet, SC; the mother of his children, Ellen LeMoult of Fairfield; his stepfather, Bert Furgess of Murrells Inlet,
SC, and several incredibly loved nieces and nephews who adored their uncle. Mark forged deep connections with every person that
he met and leaves behind an infinite circle of very dear friends and colleagues. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Kelly LeMoult.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Friends may be received by the family Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. Cheerful attire is encouraged to honor the vivacious life that Mark lived. In lieu of flowers or other recognition, the family requests that donations be made in Mark’s LeMoult’s memory to the Culinary Institute of America’s scholarship fund at www.ciachef. edu/give. For information or to offer an online condolence, please visit www. SpearFuneralHome.com