HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2016-01-07 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY MEETING MINUTES
January 7, 2016
Present: Joan Hernandez, Crystal Sweet, Melissa Hart, Thong Ung, Kathy Hougardy
Absent: Aaron Draganov, Nate Robinson, Thong Ung
Guest: Dr. Wanda Billingsly, Assistant Superintendent, Tukwila School District
Staff: Joyce Trantina
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
WELCOME
Joyce introduced Dr. Billingsly who provided a brief background. She is considering filling one
of the School District vacancies on the Equity and Diversity Commission, and current
Commissioners encouraged her to complete the Application and submit it to the Mayor and
Council for review /appointment.
Joyce explained some of the work that's been done by the Commission (banner at Foster that
says "welcome ", resource guide, book drive etc.)
Dr. Billingsly currently serves on a board working to address the education gap. The group
discussed the challenge of encouraging all students at Foster to consider careers in teaching,
since there is currently no formal pipeline in place for filling a need for teachers of all
backgrounds.
If we could get our kids motivated to come back and teach in Tukwila, it would be amazing.
Teaching is a noble profession, where you get to see the next generation come behind you.
She also provided some personal and professional background information. She sponsored the
intercultural speaker series at the school district and is working with their communications
person to see if there is enough interest /financial support to host a similar series of movies that
have been created around various themes; homelessness, refugees, etc. Spring would be a
great time to try one of these. She will send Joyce more info. The Commissioners felt this
might be a very worthwhile use of budget dollars, since it fits perfectly with the goal of the
Equity and diversity Commission.
Equity and Diversity Commission
January, 2016
Page 2
OLD BUSINESS
Moved to approve minutes from the December 3, 2015 meeting made by Joan Hernandez;
seconded by Kathy Hougardy.
UNANIMOUS APPROVAL
GOALS FOR 2016
Members discussed the current Equity and Diversity Commission program goals (shown on the
bottom of every meeting agenda) and while the group feels these goals are relevant and
important, it is difficult to make progress in all 3 areas. The goals are:
• Support the City's efforts to continue outreach efforts into our ethnically diverse
populations through attendance at community and national forums /meetings, etc.
• Promote educational and cultural programs that showcase and celebrate the rich
cultural and ethnic diversity of the Tukwila community;
• Proactively foster /develop partnerships among entities and groups that are working
to promote a more equitable Tukwila for all members of our community.
UNANIMOUS CONSENSUS to recommend that Mayor Haggerton forward Dr. Billingsly's
Application to the City Council for approval.
Meeting adjourned 6:15 p.m.
NEXT MEETING - FEBRUARY 4, 2016