Affirmative Action
WEBSITE and links
Non-Discrimination, Affirmative Action Policy 2224
Comprehensive Equity Plan 2016-2019
Affirmative Action Grievance Report Form
Affirmative Action & Comprehensive Equity Plan
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Affirmative Action Officers to ensure that the Northfield City Board of Education maintains compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to non-discrimination and affirmative action for staff and students.
Overview
Federal and state laws require employers to establish procedures to address discriminatory practices in the workplace through Affirmative Action programs, policies, and procedures. Northfield City Schools, under the direction of the New Jersey Board of Education, establishes Affirmative Action Officers.
An Affirmative Action Team, comprised of district teachers, staff members, and administrators evaluates submitted concerns involving all district programs, practices, curricula, and instructional materials. The Affirmative Action Team also assesses and ensures continuation or development of programs and activities regardless of race, national origin, gender, religion, English proficiency, socio-economic status, marital or pregnancy status, or disability.
Additionally, further programs dealing with staff development, parent and community participation, school, classroom practices, and employment and contract practices have been established in order to facilitate the implementation of the Comprehensive Equity Plan.
The Needs Assessment and Comprehensive Equity Plan (2016-2019) was approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education on July, 6, 2016. An annual statement of assurance that this plan remains in effect will be filed each year with the NJ Department of Education.
The Affirmative Action Officers are responsible for the planning and implementation of district initiatives to create positive and result-oriented programs designed to remedy patterns and practices of discrimination in employment and educational services.
The purpose of the Affirmative Action Officers is to provide staff and students with opportunities for equity and equality, and to provide a forum to address and resolve grievances.
The administrative code governing affirmative action programs in school districts is N.J.A.C. 6A:7 (Managing for Equality and Equity in Education). Under New Jersey law, accountability for enforcement of affirmative action policies and programs is implemented by the Department of Education to support equity and equality for staff and students.
N.J.A.C. 6A:7 (Managing for Equality and Equity in Education) defines the responsibilities of district boards of education for compliance with current law and public policy governing the elimination of discrimination and the provision of equal educational opportunity in the public schools, as well as address the achievement gap and the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation.
For questions or further information about the Comprehensive Equity Plan or about reporting affirmative action grievances, please contact: Mrs. Maureen Vaccaro, AAO, at 609.407.4005 or mvaccaro@ncs-nj.org, or Mr. Kevin Morrison, AAO, at 609.407.4000 or kmorrison@ncs-nj.org. Please see the grievance reporting form on the list of documents on this page. The Northfield City School District prohibits discrimination on all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact Dr. Vicky Georges, Director of Special Services at 609.407.4000.
Resources
NJ State Division on Civil Rights
US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights