Support equity in Holliston’s schools: add a DEI-focused member to the Superintendent screening team

Sign our petition asking HSC to add a DEI-focused member to the Superintendent Screening Team

UPDATE: Since originally posting this petition, we have learned that Holliston’s Director of SEL & Equity was added to the Superintendent Screening Team at the end of the Dec 11 HSC meeting. We appreciate this step and the expertise he brings. Our request remains for continued dialogue with the School Committee and for the inclusion of a member whose sole focus is reviewing candidates through a dedicated DEI lens.

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As Holliston selects its next Superintendent of Schools, the Holliston School Committee (HSC) has a responsibility to ensure the search process reflects the district’s stated commitments to equity, as outlined in the Holliston Public Schools (HPS) 2022–2027 Strategic Plan.

In 2023, HPS commissioned an independent Equity Audit to identify inequities across the district and inform policies and practices that embed equity into all aspects of school leadership and decision-making. The district invested significant time and resources in this work to guide long-term improvement efforts.

The audit found that students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, English language learners, and non-White students consistently experienced poorer outcomes, including higher chronic absenteeism, lower course passing rates, and lower enrollment in French immersion and Montessori programs. The report emphasized that unclear definitions of equity — and confusion between “what is fair” and “what is right” — can lead to uneven progress and missed opportunities for improvement.

Gaps in the Superintendent search process

Despite these findings, equity has not been clearly prioritized in the Superintendent search process to date. HYA, the consultancy hired by HSC to support the search, did not deliberately engage groups identified in the Equity Audit as most impacted by inequitable practices. HSC has also stated that it did not instruct HYA to use the Equity Audit to guide the search process.

There has also been limited transparency around the composition of the Superintendent Screening Team. The names and roles of team members have not been formally posted on the district or HSC website. Instead, information has appeared only in a Town Pages article authored by a member of Diverse Holliston and within the recording of the October 23 HSC meeting. This lack of accessible information makes it difficult for community members to understand how representation, expertise, and perspective are being incorporated into this critical decision.

Taken together — along with prior HPS administration statements suggesting the Equity Audit’s recommendations were optional — these actions contradict both the intent of the Equity Audit and the district’s stated commitment to equity in its Strategic Plan.

Why this petition matters

We believe it is essential that the Superintendent Screening Team include at least one member whose sole responsibility is to evaluate candidates through a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) lens. This individual should have demonstrated DEI expertise through training, professional experience, or lived experience.

This is the only remaining opportunity in the current process to formally include a qualified DEI perspective. Doing so would help ensure candidates are evaluated on their ability to lead with equity, cultural responsiveness, and meaningful community partnership.

While this petition addresses an immediate and time-sensitive need, it reflects a broader goal. Diverse Holliston seeks ongoing dialogue with the School Committee and district leadership, as well as sustained DEI training for all school administrators — including HSC members, the Superintendent, principals, teachers, and staff — so that equity is embedded in leadership, culture, and practice over time.

The Diverse Holliston Strategic Planning Team has formally requested that HSC add DEI expertise to the Superintendent Screening team. To date, this request has not received a response. There is still time for HSC to take this meaningful step.

Add your voice

We ask community members to sign this petition to demonstrate that Holliston residents value equity, representation, transparency, and informed decision-making in this important hire.

By signing, you affirm your support for:

• Adding a member to the Superintendent Screening Team whose sole focus is reviewing candidates through a DEI lens

• A search process aligned with the district’s Strategic Plan and Equity Audit

• Evaluating every candidate’s ability to lead with equity, cultural responsiveness, and community partnership

The Superintendent we hire will shape the future of Holliston Public Schools. Let’s ensure equity has a seat at the table.

Sign the petition