To the Editor:

I was in attendance at the May 3 BOE meeting. As always, I was looking forward to listening to Wesley Johnson update the board on how things are going with implementing the previous board’s DEI resolution.

His presentation was very informative, discussing the Anonymous Alerts app and what it’s used for. He also showed a video which included high school students sharing their thoughts and experiences about conversations they have had about diversity, equity and inclusion and why they are thankful that these topics are finally starting to be addressed. It is clear that Mr Johnson is doing exactly what he was hired by our district to do.

With that, it was not a surprise to receive that email from Lorrie Rodrigue this week which showed that Mr Johnson was awarded the Profiles in Professionalism award by our district. I can think of no one better suited for the difficult job he has and am pleased, both as a parent of children in the district and as an employee.

Mr Johnson has worked tirelessly to implement the Board’s resolution and has made great strides to bring the community together even outside of his role in the schools by taking part in community discussions and attending various events. In addition to all that he does, he regularly sits through meetings where members of the community question his competence and intentions, even bringing his character into question.

In every single instance he has never spoken one negative word in response but has absorbed everything with grace. This speaks volumes about his character and should be noted as well.

Carrie Grummons

Newtown