“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” Maya Angelou

September 1, 2021

When we come together with a shared purpose, we create something powerful. As your Superintendent, I am honored to share the remarkable progress our district has made in our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These accomplishments aren’t just bullet points on a page—they represent our collective journey toward creating a school environment where every student, staff member, and family feels they truly belong.

Great organizations don’t just happen. They are built deliberately by people who understand that our differences make us stronger. Since that summer of 2020, when we acknowledged that, in the famous words of Dr. King, “we may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now,” our community has responded with purpose and conviction. Our achievements reflect our core belief that education must evolve to meet the needs of all learners:

• We’ve expanded our curriculum to include diverse perspectives and populated our libraries with resources that reflect the beautiful tapestry of human experience.
• Our students now see themselves in the stories they read by authors like Jacqueline Woodson, Monica Clark-Robinson, and Kwame Alexander.
• Our staff has demonstrated a commitment to growth through book clubs that explore profound works like “Just Mercy,” “How to be an Anti-Racist,” and “Biased,” each challenging us to examine our own perspectives and practices.

Through university partnerships, we’ve created pathways to deeper understanding, offering dual enrollment courses on race, culture, and identity, and joining the Kean University Diversity Council. Our professional development with Learning for Justice has equipped our educators with tools to facilitate critical conversations that build understanding across differences.

Perhaps most importantly, we’ve engaged our entire community through our DEI Committees, bringing together diverse voices to shape our path forward in six key areas: Community Outreach, Hiring and Retention, Curriculum & Instruction, Professional Development, Educational Equity, and School Climate & Culture. These initiatives aren’t separate from our strategic plan—they are the living embodiment of our commitment to “uphold a healthy and respectful school culture” and “cultivate an inclusive environment.”

The work of creating truly inclusive schools is never complete. It requires continuous learning, honest conversations, and sometimes uncomfortable self-reflection. However, I remain inspired by the words I shared in 2020: “We have a moral obligation to reject all forms of injustice everywhere and to educate our young students to respect the individuality of every person.”

Policies and programs don’t define our mission—people do. It’s about preparing our students to thrive in a diverse world where compassion, understanding, and collaboration are essential skills. It’s about creating a community where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their unique gifts.

As we move forward together, I invite you to remain engaged in this vital work. Our diverse perspectives and shared commitment to growth will continue strengthening our schools and community.

With gratitude and optimism,

Dr. Rui Dionisio

Superintendent of Schools

Stay connected to the community work here to make our schools more inclusive with a sense of belonging for all students.