Welcome! We’re so happy you have an interest in the important work of DEI. We are striving every day to provide equity and a sense of belonging for the students, staff and community members we serve.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Madison-Oneida BOCES, we encourage and support diversity, equity and inclusion. Our mission is to create an inclusive, respectful, and barrier-free learning and working environment. The DEI Steering Committee empowers students, staff, families and community members to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in support of building mutual trust, confidence and respect.
BOCES programs, services and opportunities will be provided equitably and in a manner that recognizes diversity and the unique backgrounds and life experiences of its students, staff and community members.
Our Why
We cultivate and embrace diversity in the workplace to:
- Enhance creativity and innovation
- Encompass a broader range of skills and talents
- Improve decision-making
- Increase employee engagement and retention
- Better understand diverse needs
- Provide a sense of belonging for everyone we employ and serve
DEI Committee Current Focus Areas and Goals
Our committee is currently overseeing subcommittee work in the following areas:
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HR/Retention
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Increase employee satisfaction & engagement, resulting in increased employee retention
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Climate & Culture
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Create and maintain a positive climate and culture for all employees
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Holidays/Celebrations
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Provide the visibility of DEI initiatives and provide resources to support the education of and respect for diversity within our BOCES and beyond
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Student Records/ Intake
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Provide a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff, specifically those deciding gender choices to help them feel recognized, accepted, and valued, which in turn aids with suicide prevention
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CTE Marketing/ Access
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Decrease waitlisted student numbers for CTE due to enrollment opportunities and levels of learners from special populations are maintained, if not increased
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Committee Members
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Scott Budelmann
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District Superintendent & CEO
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Kane Calabro
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Principal, Intense Management Needs
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Rebecca Copp
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Director of Staff & Curriculum Development
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Phylicia Gordon
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Network Administrator
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Rich Hammett
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Telecommunications Specialist
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Rachel Helmer
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Career & Financial Management Teacher
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Karen Kloss
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Special Education Teacher
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Kim Kolch
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Labor Relations Specialist
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Randy Raux
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Adult Education Senior Coordinator
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Cheri Schmalz
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Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent
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Brenda Wolak
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Director of Adult Education
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Key Terminology
DIVERSITY: Refers to the collective mixture of differences and similarities among people including but not limited to age, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, family structure, language, religion, learning styles, and physical or mental abilities.
EQUITY: Refers to the process of ensuring fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all given their background, identity, or circumstances while striving to eliminate barriers.
INCLUSION: Involves creating a culture in which all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported for who they are.
BELONGING: A human emotional need to feel appreciated, validated, accepted, and treated fairly within an environment.
ALLYSHIP: When a person of privilege works in solidarity and partnership with a marginalized group to intentionally change systems that challenge that group’s basic rights, equal access, and ability to thrive in our environment.
SAFETY: A basic human need met by creating an environment that provides physical security and cultural acceptance to promote emotional well-being.
IDENTITY: An individual sense of self.