Committee welcomed Xiomara! Xiomara shared more about her role at EDC and the work happening at EDC. Great to have Xiomara in Springfield at the EDC and excited about making connections.

Rachel reviewed the two draft goals for the year. Xiomara asked questions about the accountability plan and Rachel explained the timeline. Rachel explained we would plan a process to include school leadership and others at the school, governance committee would help[ to create that and determine that process. The school leaders would present to governance committee for input and feedback. Rachel connected to antiracist leadership and governance and emphasized the importance of this opportunity to lead with an equity lens.

Aaron encouraged us to get started on the onboarding experience for new trustees next month. Suggesting that we get a list of things that new trustees should learn in onboard. Xiomara suggested getting feedback from other trustees. Xiomara shared from her own experiences and we will put this on the agenda for next month to dig into this goal and get it started.

Rachel shared plans with the governance committee for the strategic planning session she and Dale have been planning together. She explained the session would be on October 28th from 11am-6pm. The goals are to learn more about the priorities of the school, learn more about antiracist leadership and discuss what the role of governance is over the next few years around each priority. Rachel invited input about other topics for discussion. We will prioritize learning and discussion in the agenda.  

Xiomara talked about her experience with antiracist leadership and the role of ethics. How we can consider others and particularly marginalized groups who have not had a voice in decision making, establishing systems and structures. Xiomara talked about the implicit practices and policies that can unintentionally discriminate against certain people. At EDC, they are focusing on how the language they use can be inclusive of all types of people, family structures, etc. Rachel talked about some examples of systemic and institutional racism that have historically disadvantaged people of color. Glaring systems have been rectified but many policies and practices still exist and are baked into our institutions. Rachel reminded members about the book she shared a few years ago, White Fragility and encouraged all to read if they have not read yet. 

Rachel shared that we are not at 50% yet and asked the committee to please take the assessment. Rachel will ask trustees at the board meeting tonight. We hope to get 100% complete and these results may inform another governance committee goal. We will discuss at our next meeting and determine if anything may need to be included into the strategic planning session and/or should be the work of our committee.

Rachel shared that she thinks it may lead us to do a skills assessment of the board and could inform new recruits. David shared that there are 13 trustees and we should be thinking about recruiting two for vacant seats by next year. Rachel reminded of pipeline from high school design and that strategic planning and board assessment can help us to be targeted in our recruitment.