DEIJ - SAU 16 - Exeter NH

SAU 16 DEI-J Vision Statement

SAU 16 creates and sustains a trusting, diverse, inclusive school community where all are welcomed, valued, and empowered. We prioritize equitable school experiences and outcomes for all learners through anti-oppressive mindsets and curriculum that centers positive identity development, empathy, and justice in stewardship of our global community.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice in SAU 16

Our effort to create and expand space for living under social justice ideals in SAU 16 engages all community members from the organization’s seven school districts. Collectively, we aim to ensure that our school system is an enterprise whose growth is undeterred by bias or discrimination, where individuals of all backgrounds and experiences are welcomed and where personal narratives are heard, included and valued. Part of our educational mission is to awaken our students’ awareness of their power and privilege so that they may view the world through a lens of equity and help eliminate unjust systems and practices. Our vision is that all students will grow with confidence, empathy and understanding of what is right so that they may advocate forthese ideals in their world.

SAU 16 holds as a core value the respect and celebration of all human differences. We believe it is our moral responsibility to share with our students and families their power to pursue justice for all people, especially people from historically marginalized communities. We are committed to taking risks and making mistakes, learning how to try on new ideas and perspectives and being vulnerable to opportunities in which we have no experience. Operating under the umbrella of social justice, each SAU 16 school now has a DEIJ Team that works to advance the values of the organization in their school communities. Representatives from each school team collaborate on organizational goals that are developed to advance this work.

SAU 16 also addresses systems and structures through the Anti-Discriminatory Task Force (ADTF). The ADTF, established at the end of the 2018-2019 school year, is a collaboration of school system staff and community members from the Greater Exeter area who respond to cases of alleged discrimination in our schools. While not the primary investigators of school incidents, the ADTF reviews redacted information from school cases to determine root causes and makes recommendations for corrective action. Further, the ADTF is currently reviewing prevailing SAU 16 school board policies using a framework of bias and discrimination to offer suggestions and revisions accordingly.

These are a few of the examples of the steps we are taking to support our mission around DEIJ. They are initial building blocks that we will add to and expand upon in the coming months. Please continue to visit the SAU 16 website for updates and ways to engage in this critical discussion.

DEIJ News

DEIJ District News

DEIJ · Nov 20, 2024
Student DEI-J and RiverWoods
Students from the EHS Student Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Club joined SAU 16's Chief Equity Officer, Arlynn Polletta, to offer a presentation titled Dialogue Across Differences: Strategies for Navigating Conversations on Challenging Topics for residents at RiverWoods in Exeter. Participants were introduced to the key components of dialogue and practiced their skills in small group activities facilitated by students. The event was hosted by the Inclusivity Committee at RiverWoods, and we hope to continue this multigenerational partnership in the future.
DEIJ · Jul 12, 2024
ARLYNN POLLETTA NAMED CHIEF EQUITY OFFICER IN SAU 16
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.”
DEIJ · May 20, 2024
SAU 16 Anti-Discrimination Plan
SAU 16 creates and sustains a trusting, diverse, inclusive school community where all are welcomed, valued, and empowered. We prioritize equitable school experiences and outcomes for all learners through anti-oppressive mindsets and curriculum that centers around positive identity development, empathy, and justice in stewardship of our global community.

Please click here to read the SAU 16 Anti-Discrimination Plan in its entirety.
DEIJ · Oct 6, 2023
Four SAU16 Students Named Winners of Annual Art and Poetry Contest
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DEIJ · Oct 6, 2023
'Deep understanding': Exeter schools hire new director to focus on diversity and equity
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