Exeter, NH – July 9, 2024 – Dr. Esther Asbell, Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce the appointment of Arlynn Polletta as the new Chief Equity Officer in SAU 16. With a distinguished career in equity and inclusion, Arlynn brings a wealth of experience to this pivotal role.

Arlynn Polletta has a broad background in non-profit organizations, K-12 schools, and higher education settings. Currently, she serves as the Director of Equity, Inclusion & Outreach at The Aloha Foundation, where she leads numerous initiatives, including developing long-term strategic goals, designing staff trainings, creating inclusive programming for youth, spearheading outreach efforts, and mentoring the Equity & Inclusion Fellowship Team.

In addition to her work at The Aloha Foundation, Arlynn co-founded the Liberation Learning Collective, which provides Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice educational consulting across New England. She also serves as a Master Instructor for Northern Lights at Community College of Vermont, leading the Exploring Anti-Bias Education series.

Arlynn's educational credentials include an Ed.S. in Social Justice Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, an M.A. in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre from Emerson College, and a B.A. in English Literature & Theatre/Movement Studies from Manhattanville College. Her experience at UMass Amherst includes facilitating student-led initiatives for underrepresented students and supporting the Center for Racial Justice and Youth Engaged Research.

Previously, Arlynn worked as the Equity & Inclusion Coordinator at Pingree School, where she collaborated with faculty to develop inclusive curricula and training programs. Her earlier roles include Associate Program Director at Charles River Creative Arts Program, where she supervised staff and managed outreach programs.

Arlynn Polletta's work focuses on advocating for youth agency, creating inclusive programming, and building coalitions to address inequitable systems. She is dedicated to centering student voice and supporting communities in reimagining educational possibilities.

“We are excited to welcome Arlynn to our team,” said Dr. Asbell. “Her extensive experience and dedication to equity and inclusion will be invaluable as we continue to strive toward our Vision of a Graduate and foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students.”

The SAU 16 communications committee, in collaboration with Isobar Public Sector, conducted a comprehensive communications audit survey during the winter of 2024. The survey, detailed in the report's appendix, attracted a substantial response rate, with 1,122 stakeholders participating across six distinct categories: students, staff, community members with or without school connections, alumni, and parents/guardians. Please click here for the full report.

Link to Communications Dashboard

The SAU 16 Quarterly Report is formatted differently this quarter. Based on valuable feedback, Dr. Asbell and the Senior Leadership Team have prepared a high level overview of what is happening District Wide. Click here for the full report.

See the flyer for important information from First Student Bus Company

Click to view: SAU16 Letter of Affirmation

Click to view: Mental Health Awareness