Equity Advisory Council

Superintendent Mary Kreger announced creation of the EAC during a July 2020 board meeting where she detailed the district’s heightened focus on equity and efforts to end systemic racism. In June, the School Board approved a resolution denouncing the killing of George Floyd and reinforcing the district’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. The resolution directs Kreger to develop recommendations to address racial inequalities in District 196 schools.

Purpose

The EAC is comprised of parents, community members, high school students, district administrators, principals, teachers and other staff. There are 30 appointed positions and seven ex-officio members. Appointments to the EAC will be two-year terms, beginning July 1, with approximately half the positions up each year.

The EAC makes recommendations to the Superintendent’s Cabinet on potential changes to ensure equitable practices and systems, and to eliminate the predictability of student achievement based upon race, gender, special education status or eligibility for the educational benefits program (formerly known as the free and reduced-price meals program). The council’s role is to:

Participate in analysis of data related to student achievement, attendance and discipline;
Receive presentations related to various topics impacting student equity and inclusion in district schools;
Offer multiple perspectives and community voice on matters of student equity and inclusion, and the impact of bias on District 196 systems and practices;
Participate in community outreach opportunities to collect information and address the needs of underrepresented or underserved families in the district; and
Participate in reviews of programs and initiatives designed to enhance student equity and inclusion.

Members

Ellen Armendariz Stumbo (parent/guardian)
Khoudia Dia (parent/guardian)
Deqa Farah (parent/guardian)
Mahin Hamilton (parent/guardian)
Christie King (parent/guardian)
MJ Lamon (parent/guardian)
Liz Larson (at-large community member)
Rose Abedi Hanson (at-large community member)
Tim Suzuki (at-large community member)
TBD (at-large community member)
Iman Ibrahim (high school student)
Sahasra Molleti (high school student)
Olma Wakjira (high school student)
TBD (high school student)
TBD (high school student)
TBD (high school student)
Calvin Keasling (principal)
Cathy Kindem (principal)
TBD (principal)

Kendra Caduff (teacher)
Tiffany Dreher (teacher)
Tian Grace (teacher)
Randall Naughton (teacher)
Carol Wekesser (teacher)
Abe Welckle (teacher)
Alyssa Bartosh (assistant administrator)
Stephanie Thomas (assistant administrator)
Jennifer Ernst (cultural family advocate)
Jorja Valandra (cultural family advocate)
Kate Schmidt (Dakota County United Educators President)

Ex-officio members of the EAC are School Board Members Sachin Isaacs, Cory Johnson and Jackie Magnuson; Superintendent Mary Kreger; Director of Equity and Inclusion Virgil Jones; Director of Elementary Education Jeremy Sorenson; Director of Secondary Education Michael Bolsoni, and Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Violeta Hernandez Espinosa

Contact

Susi Yermishkin, Equity and Inclusion executive assistant
Email: susan.yermishkin@district196.org

Meetings

The EAC meets as a large group throughout the school year, as determined by the council. Smaller groups, or subcommittees, may meet to discuss specific areas of equity.

Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: EAC meetings will be held at the District Office

Dates for 2023-24: