The results of an Equity Audit of the South Orange-Maplewood School District, performed by the Disproportionality and Equity Lab at Rutgers University, will be presented on Monday, September 18, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. by Dr. Eddie Fergus.
A final draft of the report was shared with the public by the Black Parents Workshop in June. The draft report painted a picture of a district that is continuing to fail to meet goals of providing equitable access and supports to students of color and offered recommendations for bridging disparities.
Read more: Report: Stark Academic Disparities Remain Between Black and White Students in South Orange-Maplewood
From the South Orange Maplewood Board of Education:
The Board of Education will meet in a Special Public Meeting on Monday, September 18, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in person and using the online video conference platform, which will include Hearing of Individuals and a presentation from Dr. Fergus regarding the Equity Audit Report. Action will be taken. The community can view the meeting by following the steps which will be listed on the agenda. If there are members of the community who would like to attend the meeting in person, please note that masks and social distancing are suggested in accordance with the guidance received from the local Department of Health and the CDC.
Join By Computer / Smartphone
Choose one of three options:
- Watch on SomaTV: Click Here (https://somatv.viebit.com/index.php?folder=ALL)
- Watch on SOMSD’s Youtube Live Stream: Click Here (https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthOrangeMaplewoodSchoolDistrict)
- Watch on SOMSD’s Webex Platform: Click Here For More Information (https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/board-of-education/board-meetings/)
Hearings of Individuals and Delegations / Public Speaks – Audio Comment
Community members can sign up to provide audio comments to the Board of Education. Audio comments can be provided by connecting to the district’s Webex platform during a scheduled Board of Education meeting.
Step 1 – Install Webex on your device.
- Install Webex for Windows and Apple computers (Webex Meetings).
- Install Webex for Apple iOS devices.
- Install Webex for Android devices.
Step 2 – Submit a Request To Speak
Submit a request to speak during the public comment section of BOE meeting by completing the following form:
Step 3 – Connect To The BOE Meeting
Connect to the BOE Meeting using the information below:
Event: Board of Education Meeting – Public Session
Date / Time: September 18, 2023 – 6:30 PM
Webex Link: Click Here
Event Number: 2331 712 7245
Event Password: Orange20Maple (67264320 from phones)
Telephone Number: 408-418-9388
Please check your audio connections are set correctly. Failure to do so will prevent you from being heard during the public speaks portion of the meeting.
Step 4 – Provide your audio comment
During your turn to speak, your microphone will be unmuted. Please speak clearly into the microphone/headset. After your time for public speaks has passed, your microphone will be muted.
Eric Burnside, Board Secretary
