Newtown Public School’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Wesley A. Johnson II has resigned his position to work for a faith-based nonprofit, as announced by Superintendent of Schools Chris Melillo on August 17.

Johnson, following the announcement, told The Newtown Bee he “really was torn” about the decision and that he did not “make the decision overnight.” He was hired in the 2021-22 school year, and he was the first person to fill the then-newly-created district position.

As previously reported, Johnson worked as a contractor for Bethel Public Schools by providing diversity, equity, and inclusion coaching and training; as an area director/developer of Young Life in Danbury; and more before coming to Newtown.

In his letter to Newtown Public School families on August 17, Melillo wrote, “Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator, Wes Johnson, has been offered a position in a faith-based organization that will provide him the space to work with young adults. This was an opportunity that he could not pass up, as Wes had desired to serve in this type of role.”

“I am sad to see Wes leave, but also excited for him in his future endeavors,” the superintendent continued. “I wish him the best of luck. Wes has asked that I share this message with the public, as I know many in the district will be disappointed in this news. This work is important, and it needs to be supported. I will collaborate with my administrative team, the school community, and the Board of Education to fill the void created by Wes’s departure.”

In his resignation letter, Johnson shared that he will officially resign his position on August 31.

“I received an offer to serve as The Divisional Training Coordinator of a top 100 faith-based non-profit organization, and after careful consideration, I decided to accept,” Johnson wrote. “It has been my pleasure working with the staff and members of the community.

Proud Of ‘Conversations’ Series

“One of the many highlights is the community conversations ‘More than Conversations on Race,’ the district-wide professional development day, and the School Equity Leaders initiative,” he continued. “This district can continue to grow in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and culturally responsive practices. I truly hope and wish the leaders of the district will continue to be open to intentional and meaningful growth in these areas.”

Johnson said he will still be in the greater Danbury area, as he will be working for Young Life in Danbury. He also shared that he has promised to be available as a resource if the school district needs him.

While sharing some of the things he is most proud of from his time in the school district, Johnson focused on the “More than Conversations on Race” events, a collaboration between Newtown Public Schools and C.H. Booth Library. The events were the result of Johnson reaching out to the library.

“It became something that I could not have imagined,” said Johnson. He is also proud of how the Newtown Public School community greeted him when he was hired.

“They were incredibly receptive, incredibly welcoming, and incredibly open to learning and growing in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Johnson.

Two things Johnson wishes he could still be a part of this coming school year are other points of pride for him: New school district equity leaders and a “playbook” he created for the district. There will be two equity leaders at each Newtown Public School this fall, Johnson shared, and those leaders have had training in subject matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“I think it is going to be a game changer for the district,” said Johnson.

He developed the “playbook” over the summer. It includes scripted read-a-louds, guidance for professional learning communities and professional development days, and can serve as a resource to guide conversations and deal with situations.

It is available digitally on the school district’s website for educators to use. Johnson said he will work on developing it more as a “parting gift” for the school district before leaving on August 31.

Reflecting on Newtown, Johnson said the community is continuing to diversify in terms of race, ethnicity, language, and socio-economic status, and it is critical for both the school district and town leadership to embrace it. The more the town and school district can be “in-sync” with the growth, “the better off the community will be.”

Johnson also said he is hopeful that growth will be “reflected in the makeup in the [Board of Education], in the school staff, and in the makeup in the leadership of the town.”

Education Editor Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.