Arlynn Polletta named new chief equity officer in SAU 16

EXETER — Arlynn Polletta has been named the new chief equity officer in SAU 16.

"I'm thrilled to be joining the SAU 16 community and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to build on the exceptional DEIJ work that has been done in recent years,” said Polletta. “Advancing equity initiatives across the district will be a collaborative effort, and I look forward to working closely with students, educators, caregivers, and community members to promote continued growth and positive change."

SAU 16 Superintendent Esther Asbell said Polletta "brings a wealth of experience to this pivotal role."

Polletta has a broad background in nonprofit organizations, K-12 schools, and higher education settings. Currently, she serves as the director of equity, inclusion & outreach at The Aloha Foundation, where she leads numerous initiatives, including developing long-term strategic goals, designing staff trainings, creating inclusive programming for youth, spearheading outreach efforts, and mentoring the Equity & Inclusion Fellowship Team.

In addition to her work at The Aloha Foundation, Polletta co-founded the Liberation Learning Collective, which provides diversity, equity, inclusion and justice educational consulting across New England. She also serves as a master instructor for Northern Lights at Community College of Vermont, leading the Exploring Anti-Bias Education series.

Polletta's educational credentials include an education specialist degree in social justice education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a master of arts degree in theatre education & applied theatre from Emerson College, and a bachelor of arts degree in English literature and theatre/movement studies from Manhattanville College. Her experience at UMass Amherst includes facilitating student-led initiatives for underrepresented students and supporting the Center for Racial Justice and Youth Engaged Research.

Previously, Polletta worked as the equity & inclusion coordinator at Pingree School, where she collaborated with faculty to develop inclusive curricula and training programs. Her earlier roles included associate program director at Charles River Creative Arts Program, where she supervised staff and managed outreach programs.

Polletta replaces Andres Mejia, who stepped down as SAU 16’s director of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in May.

“We are excited to welcome Arlynn to our team,” said Asbell. “Her extensive experience and dedication to equity and inclusion will be invaluable as we continue to strive toward our vision of a graduate and foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students.”