Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion (DEAI)

Newtown Public Schools has been partnering with Nixon & Co. Consulting Group as part of a multi-year strategic plan to advance our district wide priorities. This collaboration has been focusing on building sustainable Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) practices across all schools.



All activities have been guided by a districtwide DEAI Work Plan, developed in Spring 2023 following a comprehensive needs assessment.

How This Work is Happening

To bring our priorities to life, we’ve implemented structures and supports that have been operationalizing DEAI efforts across the district:


  • Equity Leaders in Schools: Each school has identified an Equity Leader who has been receiving monthly coaching and support from Nixon & Co. and the Director of Teaching and Learning. These sessions have shifted from foundational knowledge-building to direct implementation at the school level.
  • Strategic Messaging: Nixon & Co. has been assisting with internal and external communications to ensure shared understanding of our DEAI goals and commitments.
  • Use of Culture and Climate Data: The district has been analyzing data such as the Staff Culture Survey to better understand staff perceptions. DEAI Work Plans have been adjusted based on these findings.
  • School-Based Strategic Goals: Each school has been developing DEAI-aligned strategic goals to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment. Ongoing support has been provided to help schools make progress.
  • Professional Learning: Nixon & Co. has been facilitating learning sessions for school leaders and Equity Teams on inclusive instructional practices, bias-free dialogue, culturally relevant teaching, and equitable grading.
  • Progress Monitoring: District teams have been reviewing implementation progress through listening sessions, school-based visits, and updates to the Board of Education and DEAI Committee.

Our DEAI Priorities

Newtown Public Schools has been identifying and refining the following key priorities:


  • Leadership Commitment: District leadership has been advocating for and supporting DEAI efforts throughout every level of the system.
  • Data-Informed Practice: We have been working to cultivate a culture in which data and feedback inform decisions, deepen understanding, and guide strategic planning in DEAI.
  • Capacity Building: A primary focus has been building staff and leadership capacity to implement meaningful, responsive DEAI practices.

Our Ongoing Commitment

This work has been driving our broader mission: to increase student achievement, strengthen engagement, and ensure all students experience a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment.

Newtown Public Schools remains deeply committed to advancing DEAI. Planning has already been underway for the coming school year as we reflect, refine, and build on what we’ve learned.

We believe that prioritizing people and fostering a diverse, human-centered culture is essential to serving our students, staff, and community with excellence.