A few years ago, educator Judy Dow contemplated retiring. She'd been an educator for more than three decades, working at Essex Elementary School for 15 years and later teaching at the Chittenden Country Correctional Facility. She'd received the Governor's Award for Outstanding Vermont Educator in 2004.

Instead, Dow, a scholar of French Canadian and Indigenous descent, chose a different path: She became the executive director of Gedakina, a multigenerational organization that supports Indigenous youth, women and families across New England. Gedakina helps reclaim and preserve cultural traditions, such as gardening, basketry and beading.

After months of work, the Essex Westford School Board Tuesday voted to adopt a much-discussed equity policy on a vote of 8-1.

The equity policy has been in the works since September and has had hundreds of community members weigh in on what they would like to see. The policy faced some backlash with some people saying it was excluding white children. District officials, however, strongly rejected that classification, saying the policy was intended to be beneficial to all students and ensure opportunity for everyone. The broad majority of residents who spoke during meetings were also in support of the policy.

“I want my children and all students to attend the best public schools they can. I believe this policy will improve outcomes for all students in the district,” said Paul Yoon, an EWSD parent.

“As a mom of three kids in the school district, one which has a disability, I have a vested interest in helping him achieve his best potential in life and I believe all students deserve that,” said Megan Humphries, another EWSD parent.