West Hartford Town/Schools Have Diversity Chief

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Both the town and schools now have a leader to oversee both entity's goals when it comes to diversity and inclusion in the community.

Interim West Hartford Superintendent of Schools Dr. Andrew Morrow and West Hartford Town Manager Rick Ledwith announced Tuesday the promotion of Roszena Haskins to executive director of equity advancement for both West Hartford Public Schools and the Town of West Hartford, a new position approved by the West Hartford Town Council last year.

Haskins, who has a doctoral degree, has led West Hartford Public Schools’ Office of Equity Advancement for the last six years.

In her new role, she will continue to lead the school district’s Office of Equity Advancement while advancing the town’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion with a program of initiatives to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion within town operations and its boards and commissions.

“It has been rewarding to lead and witness equity-driven change in West Hartford Public Schools over the past six years. I am thrilled to be able to extend my reach to position equity as a centerpiece in all that we do in the Town of West Hartford," Haskins said.

"Engagement of a broader stakeholder group to foster a more diverse, inclusive and welcoming town for employees, residents and our vibrant business community is a move in the right direction for West Hartford. I look forward to the opportunity to work in collaboration with the town toward municipal equity.”

Prior to her role as the school district’s director of equity advancement, Haskins served as Sedgwick Middle School’s principal and Conard High School’s assistant principal, where she received the Bridge Family Center’s “Build No Fences Award” for her work with students and families there.

Early on in her tenure as the leader of the office of equity advancement, Haskins established the district’s equity and diversity council, a faculty and staff advisory committee which promotes equity, advances diversity and fosters inclusiveness across all of the district’s programs and services.

Later, the office of equity advancement established “One Community for Equity,” a collaborative partnership with parent-led organizations and community stakeholder groups sharing common goals and interests leading to more equitable schools and more equitable community.

Last year, Haskins led the district’s equity and diversity council’s study for the development of the board of education’s transformational “Educational Equity Policy 1800” and was later honored with the 2021 George Coleman Excellence In Equity Award for her successful and ongoing district-wide work.

"On behalf of the town council, I am pleased that Dr. Haskins has been selected to fill this vital role. Her DEI experience will bring awareness and sensitivity to the service we provide to our community. She will be a great addition to the Town’s management team,” West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said

“Dr. Haskins has been the leader of WHPS’ equity and diversity efforts over the last several years and I know she will be equally instrumental in extending this work to the town in this newly formed combined role,” added Morrow.

The town manager, who was named the permanent town manager just last month, said this new role is being filled by the perfect candidate.

“I have worked alongside Dr. Haskins for the last 15 years and am thrilled to have her leading both the school district and the town in this critical work. Well known throughout the state and region for her equity work, Roszena has the experience and passion to help us identify best practices and to remove barriers so that we can create a more inclusive and welcoming town for our employees, residents and business community," said Ledwith.

For the announcement, click on this link.