June 15, 2022 - During June 14, 2022 Board of Education meeting, Tonnette Harris was approved as the new Assistant Director of Equity - Human Resources. The position is new and will go into effect on July 1, 2022. 

The Assistant Director of Equity - Human Resources is responsible for monitoring and facilitating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in recruiting, hiring, and retaining staff. The role will help facilitate effective and culturally sensitive communication among staff and outside agencies related to DEI topics as they correlate with SSD’s Office of Employee Success and Engagement. The position was created to support the District’s commitment to our equity work. 

Harris previously served as an ADA and Title VI Coordinator for the Iowa Department of Transportation, where she was responsible for the management, administration, and implementation of the Iowa Department of Transportation’s internal and external civil rights programs. Within this role, she planned, managed, and coordinated the investigation of discrimination, retaliation, and harassment complaints in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies. 

Prior to that role, Harris served as a District Civil Rights Manager for the Virginia Department of Transportation and an Assistant Director in the Office of Institutional Equity at the University of Central Florida. In both roles, Harris investigated discrimination and equal employment opportunity complaints and developed and delivered staff training.

Harris holds a juris doctorate, a master’s in public administration, and a bachelor’s in political science from the University of Arkansas. She is also a certified affirmative action professional with the American Association for Access, Equity, and Diversity (AAAED).