By Curt Peterson
Mountain Views School District (MVSD) Superintendent Sherry Sousa is aware of recent friction but she’s focusing on the future. In the five years she has been superintendent, Sousa has faced the “mean side” of school culture — bullying and racism — and invested significant time and effort trying to steer student energy and faculty training in a better direction. There are 449 students at the Woodstock middle and high school campus — 10% of them are considered from “marginal communities.”
Unfortunately, the efforts are needed. In 2022, Jaya Holliman alleged that her son, who is Black, endured isolation, harassment, and racial slurs from fellow students, with what she considered a lack of adequate and appropriate response from MVSD administrators and faculty.
The Vermont Human Rights Commission investigated the allegations, and findings supported Holliman’s claims. Superintendent Sousa didn’t fight the HRC decision, which included mandatory anti-discrimination training for MVSD staff.
“I stand behind my staff and administrators who worked tirelessly to meet this student’s needs,” Sousa responded.
As previously reported, the district settled with Holliman for $175,000. Sousa disagreed with the HRC’s determination of fault, but felt it prudent to avoid the “time and expense of litigation.”
Some constituents have petitioned for the removal of Sousa as superintendent. However, the majority of the MVSD board and many staff, parents and students supported her decision, and Sousa continues the enormous responsibility of managing the school district.
All of that behind her now, Sousa welcomed the Mountain Times’s interest in how the district approaches the challenges of racism in a state with so few residents of color. Many of the actions were part of campus culture already, but she said there is always room for improvement.
Sousa consulted with Dr. Luvelle Brown of Ithaca, New York, a published and well-known expert on school and organization cultural issues, to develop and fine-tune MVSD procedures and policies.
One innovation is “Late-Start Wednesdays,” when faculty members meet to assess any current situations and how to address them, as well as to discuss possible improvements in tactics.
“A basic strategy is to make sure every student feels welcome,” Sousa said. “And that teachers are working together and constantly aware of any hazing, harassment or bullying.”
Every incident is reported directly to Sousa’s office, with information about any harm that might have resulted.
“We’re interested in correcting any harm done,” she said. “To do that, we have to engage with the victim directly.”
“Often the bad behavior isn’t intended to harm the victim, but we all have to address any harm done,” she said, “and we have to reflect on each event and ask ourselves, ‘Can we do better?’”
