Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022 ~ Op-Ed ~ Everett community stands against discriminatory behavior in all forms By Mayor Carlo DeMaria n January, we committed to living the dream and be the legacy as advocated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King said, “There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.” It has come to my attention I that a derogatory and racist meme was circulated by Everett City Councilor Anthony DiPierro. I have never felt it was more important for me to speak out as a member of the Everett community who stands against discriminatory behavior in all forms. A reference to a vile and derogatory word was in this meme. That word is entrenched in centuries of hurt and racial oppression in this country. Anyone who uses this word or distributes content that is racially insensitive or promotes any other form of discrimination must be reproached for such behavior. I want to assure all members of the Everett community that the City of Everett’s Human Resource’s Department has, in place, well-established practices to investigate any concerns or complaints alleging discriminatory or harassing behavior by any City employee or elected offi cial. In addition, we will be investigating additional alleged racist and discriminatory posts by other members of the Everett City Council. I strongly encourage anyone who has concerns to please contact our Human Resources Director Justin Shrader at Justin.Shrader@ci.everett.ma.us or 617-394-2280. Earlier this year we launched our Diversity platform with a commitment to engage, educate, and elevate every member of the Everett community. We stand by that commitment and will continue work towards building an Everett for Everyone. For more information about that work and to be involved in our eff orts, please contact our Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Cathy Draine at Cathy.Draine@ci.everett. ma.us. This is a learning and growth opportunity for us all - a reminder that what we say matters. What we say can have a real impact on others, even if unintentional. Moving forward, may we all choose words and actions that build us stronger and better together. DESE records indicate Everett educators are certifi ed A By Christopher Roberson recent review of certifi cation status showed that nearly all teachers and administrators in the district hold the required license for their respective positions. “We’re on pretty rock solid ground,” said Superintendent of Schools Priya Tahiliani during the March 7 School Committee meeting. “The vast majority of our employees do have the required permanent license.” According to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Tahiliani holds a provisional license for her position as superintendent. This license, which took eff ect on May 22, 2019, is valid for five years and cannot be extended or renewed. Deputy Superintendent of Schools Kim Tsai also has a provisional license which took eff ect on April 22, 2021. Assistant Superintendent of Academies Kevin Shaw, Remote Learning Director Anne Auger and Assistant Superintendent of Operations Charles Obremski all hold professional licenses which must be renewed every fi ve years. Shaw’s current license took effect on January 22, 2020; Auger’s license took effect on February 4, 2021, and Obremski’s license took eff ect on June 15, 2020. Chief Equity Offi cer Cory McCarthy was issued an emergency license on July 24, 2020, when he became vice principal of Everett High School. According to DESE, emergency licenses were issued as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although McCarthy’s license will remain valid until June 30, 2023, it is not required for his current position. In addition, Special Education Director William Donahue has held an initial license since July 23, 2018. This license is valid for fi ve years and cannot be extended. Tahiliani said there are currently two employees without licenses as it is still being determined if, in fact, those individuals need licenses. “Not every employee in our district requires a license,” said Tahiliani. Education licenses are not needed for Chief Financial Offi cer Anu Jayanth, Human Resources Director Francesse Canty, Budget and Grants Director Shirley Peng or Community Engagement Director Jeanette Velez. In addition, licenses are not required for paraprofessionals, family liaisons or administrative assistants. K-8 interim assessments In other news, Tahiliani said she is pleased with the results of the recent interim assessments for students in grades K-8. “The results are really encouraging and off er a counternarrative to what we’ve been hearing about learning loss,” she said. As this group of students returned to the classroom in September 2021, it was determined that 48 percent of them were behind by at least two grade levels. “This is what we were expecting coming into the school year,” said Tahiliani. However, data from the winter assessment showed that fi gure had decreased to 38 percent. In addition, Tahiliani said 28 percent of students in grades K-8 are now at or above their grade level. “It’s clear that our educators looked at the data, looked at where our students were and really changed their instruction,” said Tahiliani. “You don’t get growth like this otherwise.” COVID-19 update Tahiliani said that as of March 6 there have been six confi rmed cases of COVID-19 in residents ages 0-19. By comparison, 41 cases were reported in February. During its February 28 meeting, the School Committee voted 5-2 to make masks optional. However, Tahiliani said she and her colleagues still have their guard up. “We’re keeping a very close eye on it; we don’t want to be any less vigilant,” she said. ~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~ City Councillor Anthony DiPierro issues statement Dear Editor, A decision that I made to privately share a cartoon meme has recently been called into question. While I did not create this meme, I made a poor decision for sharing it and I truly apologize for my misjudgment. The casual use of the word in culture and society can desensitize its meaning and intention and I recognize what I did was wrong. The use of such word is never okay. I regret my decision to send that meme but will use this as a learning experience. The relationships that I have built and maintained throughout my life demonstrate who I truly am as a person. I ask those who know me, and more importantly – those who don’t to please, not let one mistake defi ne who I am as a person. I recognize the mistake I have made, take full accountability, and apologize to anyone who was hurt or offended by it. Signed, Anthony DiPierro Ward 3 City Councillor
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