Town Meeting Article Would Fund BPS Diversity and Equity Director

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington town meeting members will decide Sept. 30 whether to provide up to $81,000 in funds for a new position at Burlington Public Schools: director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The proposed new position comes out of work in the school community over the summer, in the wake of a Black Lives Matter vigil in Burlington and protests across the country as well as online racism by Burlington students. The schools' Equity Committee, including staff, students, parents and administrators, developed an action plan for the districts. The new director, a permanent position, would be charged with shepherding the plan into action.

Supporters of the article provided a frequently asked questions document. Other backup for the article is included in the warrant backup.

The town meeting, scheduled for Sept. 30, will consider 17 other articles, including addressing a budget shortfall.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.