Dedicated office focused on racial equity, reporting directly to Superintendent
Background
Over the last few budget cycles, we have invested in equity work that is housed in various departments of the District. We have also utilized a number of external consultants and technical assistance providers to facilitate training and professional learning opportunities.
This is difficult work, and like communities across the country engaging in this work, we know that success will require a long-term commitment, continuous effort, and enhanced capacity. In 2018, our school district, along with the CEA, embraced the opportunity to apply for a grant from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation to identify the root causes of inequity in our school district, and to develop recommendations to address them. The resulting Building Equity Bridges project engaged with hundreds of students, families, staff, and community members in order to listen and learn -- elevating the voices of our students of color, their families, and staff of color.
February 2020 Update
As part of his Proposed Budget for school year 2020-21, the Superintendent proposed a new Equity Office, which will include dedicated resources focused on anti-racism and racial equity. The Proposed Budget will be presented to the School Committee on March 12.
Action Plan
- ✓ Present proposal to School Committee, as part of the Superintendent’s Proposed FY20-21 Budget (March 2020)
- Gather feedback on proposal through Budget Workshop (March 17) and Public Hearing on the proposed budget. (March 19)
- Refine plans for the equity office informed by perspectives of youth, families, and staff (Spring 2020)
- Launch hiring and administrative processes in order to establish Office of Equity before the start of School Year 2020-21
CPS Lead for establishing an equity office: Kenneth Salim, Superintendent.