BSD’s Office of Equity provides leadership around ALL issues of equity, specializing in Restorative Practices, Social Justice Education, HHB prevention and compliance, safety and Community Schools.
Meet the Office of Equity:
Autumn Bangoura (she/her), Equity Instructional Leader
I originally started at BSD in 2009 as an elementary Spanish teacher. Afterwards I transitioned to teaching 4th grade at the Integrated Arts Academy. It was there where I became dedicated to weaving Social Justice themes into every part of the curriculum. After serving on BSD’s District Equity Council for many years I moved into this District leadership role in the fall of 2019 in order to influence more systemic change. As Equity Instructional Leader, I have spearheaded a variety of new initiatives including Community Equity Conversations, the Summer Racial Justice Academy, PSAs, Peer Mediation. I love research and curriculum writing and have curated a unique resource library of Restorative Learning Pathways which have been used statewide. In 2024 I received the Ned Kirsch Innovative Leadership Award for this work. I am most proud of my work that has helped expand youth leadership at BSD and love anything that is student facing! . Email Autumn for all things related to curricular resources, instructional practices, Social Justice Education, youth-led professional development requests, youth leadership, restorative learning pathways, equity newsletter, resource requests and more!
Maria Davies, (she/her/ella) Community Schools Coordinator
My name is maria davies, and I use she, her, hers, and Ella pronouns. I identify as Latina and am proud of my Central and South American heritage. I am BSD Community Schools Coordinator. While my office is located at BTC/BHS, you will often find me out in our schools and across the community—building
relationships, listening, connecting with families and community partners, and working alongside others to strengthen the communities that surround our young people. I am fluent in Spanish and am able to read, write, and translate in Spanish. Language has been an important bridge throughout both my personal and professional life. It has allowed me to build trust with our multilingual families, strengthen relationships, and help families navigate systems that can sometimes become dauting for them. I believe that when we listen to one another, honor the strengths that already exist within our communities, coalesce and work together toward a common goal, we create stronger and more equitable
opportunities for all our young people and their families. When we grow stronger—together—we all benefit.Email Maria to learn more about the community schools projects at BHS, Eagle Bay Academy and BTC
Teresa Giallorenzo (she/her), Hazing, Harassment and Bullying (HHB) Coordinator
I have worked in various roles in the Burlington School District starting in 2009 and, as a resident and parent of students of our schools, I am proud to be a part of the Burlington School District and a member of the Office of Equity Team. I have worked as a paraeducator, Administrative Assistant, data team member, and registrar, and have moved into the role of District Coordinator of Hazing, Harassment, and Bullying and Title IX work, and the District Safety Lead since 2022. This role aligns directly with my beliefs that we need to ensure every student’s safety and feeling of belonging so they can feel safe at school and engage in learning. Email Teresa for questions about HHB reporting, prevention, investigation and compliance, Designated Employee training, suspension reviews, and all things related to district safety including crisis response, and safety drills and guidance.
Dr. Mika Moore (she/her), Restorative Practices District Coordinator
I am the Restorative Practices Coordinator in Burlington School District. Prior to this role, I was a lecturer at UVM where my teaching and research focused on issues of educational equity and access for underserved groups. I was formerly a middle school special educator in San Francisco Unified School District and also served there as a department head and MTSS (Multi-tiered Systems of Support)coordinator. I am passionate about bringing a restorative approach to all aspects of our work in BSD. My role is focused on the implementation and use of restorative practices District-wide, which encompasses teacher training and support, facilitation of District-level RP teams, RP systems and strategy planning, and ensuring RP is used as one way to dismantle white supremacy culture and furthering our anti-racism work in the District. Email Mika for questions about Restorative Practices, staff to staff interpersonal conflict, circle templates, tools for Tier 1 RP work, suspension review, the annual report, and the Restorative Code of Conduct
Sparks, (he/him) Executive Director of Equity
I serve as the Executive Director of the Office of Equity (OoE) for the Burlington School District, bringing over 34 years of dedicated service to BSD students, staff, and families. I earned my Master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Community and Economic Development. I have been A lifelong advocate for anti-racism, social justice, and institutional equity. I lead the (OoE) with a firm commitment to standing up for those who are, and have historically been, marginalized. Under my leadership, the Office of Equity is dedicated to advocating for those furthest from social and educational justice and building a district where every individual’s right to be treated with utmost respect and dignity is front and center. It is my, and my department’s, responsibility to ensure every voice is uplifted, represented, and heard.
Timothy Verstandig (he/him), Administrative Coordinator
I have been a part of the Burlington School District’s Office of Equity since 2024. My role as Administrative Coordinator enables me to support my teammates on a number of different Office of Equity projects and initiatives, with a primary focus on office management and aiding in Executive Director Sparks’ day-to-day. It brings me immense joy that my work helps push the District’s anti-racism work forward. Originally from the Albany, New York area, I have a background as a legal assistant and was Secretary of the City of Plattsburgh Democratic Committee from 2021 to 2024. I play multiple roles at BSD as both the BHS Assistant Boys Ice Hockey Coach and the Front Desk Admin at the Ira Allen Central Office. Email Tim for general Office of Equity requests or to schedule a meeting with any members of our team
