Equity Task Force

During the June 2, 2020, Board meeting, Dr. McLaughlin, Superintendent, CVUSD, announced the need for our district to launch an Equity Task Force. Dr. McLaughlin’s recommendation came on the heels of the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd, national and local protests regarding discrimination and racism and ultimately a reflection that as the leader of a comprehensive public school district there is a moral imperative to be transparent in our responsibility and obligation to create an inclusive and safe learning environment for all students - and in particular for our students, families and staff that are persons of color.

Building the Task Force

The formation of the inaugural 15 member Equity Task Force was a thoughtful process that took place across approximately two months. An initial message was shared with our community inviting interested individuals (staff, parents, students, other family members and community members) to submit an interest form. Over 200 individuals responded. A subsequent interest form was requested for the original interested individuals to complete, this time with specific questions about the individuals race, ethnicity, primary language, role and an open ended question about any other indicator that would inform CVUSD about background and/or experiences with equity. Approximately 130 individuals responded.

In an effort to create a non-biased process for member selection, four educational leaders outside of CVUSD, who also represent racial, ethnic and primary language diversity, were invited to volunteer their time in the selection process. The four individuals who made up the Equity Task Force Forming Committee are:

  • Mr. Daryton Ramsey, Director of Accountability and Continuous Improvement, Ventura County Office of Education
  • Dr. Zenda Mitchell-Abbott, Consultant (Previously Director of CTE Outreach and Support, Ventura County Office of Education)
  • Ms. Elena Jaloma, Director of Student Support Services, California Lutheran University
  • Ms. Diana Herndandez, Admissions Counselor, California Lutheran University

The Equity Task Force Forming Committee

The Equity Task Force Forming Committee reviewed all 130 responses and individually made a recommendation of individuals to consider for a small group informal interview. The Forming Committee was informed about the overall purpose of the CVUSD Equity Task Force (work towards creating an equitable and just learning environment for all) and the need to create a space for people of color and others who have first hand experiences with equity-based issues and/or discrimination. From the 130 responses, 40 individuals were invited to participate in a small group informal interview.

Eight groups, made up of approximately five individuals, participated in a 45 minute small group informal interview. The purpose of having a small group was to create the opportunity for the Forming Committee to observe how individuals engage with others, build off other’s input, ask questions and ultimately collaborate with one another. At the end of all the small group informal interviews, 15 individuals were recommended to be invited to make up the first CVUSD Equity Task Force. All 15 accepted the invite. All other interested individuals did receive an email letting them know that at this time, although they are not invited to represent the Equity Task Force, there will be future opportunities and we hope to build a larger community dedicated to creating a more equitable and just school district.

Areas of Focus for the Equity Task Force

Given the vastness of the important work to be done with CVUSD on equity, the formation of subcommittees will allow us to address multiple areas simultaneously and eventually create opportunity for other community members to be involved. Following is a list of the anticipated subcommittees:

  1. Student Success: this subcommittee will focus on analyzing current student data (e.g. A-G course access, AP course access, graduation rates, discipline, college entrance, etc.) and make recommendations to CVUSD on how to improve student success for our students of color.
  2. Professional Development & Training: this subcommittee will review what training has been provided to CVUSD staff regarding anti-discrimination, anti-racism and equity and make proposals for future training topics and potentially participate in the training for CVUSD staff.
  3. Curriculum Subcommittee: this subcommittee will review the existing curriculum (both required and supplemental), and make recommendations to CVUSD on how to increase diversity in authors and content made available to our students.

Equity Task Force Members

For more information about the Equity Task Force members, please see the individual information below:

Ana Alvarez, Outreach Coordinator, has been working for CVUSD for the past 18 years. She holds a master’s degree in Physiology/Cell Biology and a master’s degree in Multicultural education. Ana’s mission in life is to raise her children with core values and a strong sense of empathy and to be of service to others advocating human rights, respect, and equity.
Maya Clark is a Disabled and Queer CVUSD student. She wants to create the most positive and supportive environment possible for all students, parents, and staff.
Christa Clippinger is a CVUSD parent and invested volunteer. Christa earned a Masters in Multi-Cultural Counseling from San Diego State University and has been providing diversity, equity and inclusion education as a social advocacy professional to community-based organizations and private companies for over 20 years. Christa believes that every child in CVUSD deserves to be seen, heard and valued by their school community and is committed to providing the support needed to attain those outcomes.
Alysia Flamer Is a CVUSD parent and committed volunteer at both the school and district levels. She is the current vice-chair of DAC, has been on several school site councils, led activities for GATE students as a member of GATE DAC, and is a passionate advocate for the success of every child.
Mia Greenidge is a CVUSD student working to create a safer and more inclusive learning environment for BIPOC students.
Isaac Huang is the current principal at Madrona Elementary School. In his previous district, he served on the Safe and Caring School Climate Committee that developed new language into district policy around the needs of those within the LGBTQQIA community. Isaac also serves as a member of California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) mentoring leadership team- focused on equity and the needs of underserved and underrepresented populations.
Kim Koettel is a former CVUSD student and current CVUSD parent. She brings broad social sector experience with roles spanning the public, private, and nonprofit spheres—both domestically and abroad. Kim holds an M.S. in Global Affairs from New York University.
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Corine Musgrove holds a Master’s Degree in Education and is a CVUSD Social Studies, English and CTE teacher on the Redwood Middle School Campus. She is dedicated to creating trauma-informed and culturally responsive learning environments that support and celebrate all students, especially BIPOC students, LGBTQIA+ students and students with disabilities.
José Luis Pino is a long-time Conejo Valley resident and a father of five CVUSD graduates. He is passionate about the intersectionality of equity issues, including racial, socioeconomic, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and LGBTQ+ rights. He currently serves as the President of LULAC of Conejo Valley and facilitates a PFLAG parent support group.
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Benjamin Tang is a CVUSD student and volunteer for the district. He is working in order to help address the needs of those in underserved communities and create a safer and more inclusive environment.
Ava Zasloff is a CVUSD student, that believes it is crucial to form a safe community for all students, where learning and growth can occur. Her dedication to equity stems from the want of a more inclusive environment, and she works hard to learn from her fellow ETF members to achieve that goal.
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