OISD Equity Committee

OISD Equity Statement!

Orcas Island School district actively promotes a culture of belonging, one which confronts bias and injustice, and is inclusive of the diversity of our entire learning community. We are dedicated to acknowledging historical truths, reconciling harms, and interrupting the institutional and systemic barriers that prevent our staff and students from realizing their unique potential. We hold ourselves accountable to our community in the creation of an equitable, sustainable, healthy educational and work environment, where opportunity cannot be predicted based on race, characteristics, or circumstances. (Approved by OISD Board 11/30/2021)

Committee's Vision: We envision a school culture built upon the principles of equity, social justice & sustainability in which each individual is seen, heard, valued, and respected for their chosen identity and unique assets, and are empowered to actively participate as collaborators & change makers in this community and beyond.

Equity over equality. Justice over equity.

Image on left by BatmanLeibowitz

Our Why:

We acknowledge that there are inequalities inherent in the national public school system. Minority students, those with disabilities, and people who live in poverty are not receiving the education and support they need in order to be successful. This is evidenced locally and nationally in achievement gaps, standardized testing scores, graduation rates and post schooling education rates (college & tech schools).

We recognize that our country has privileged certain groups while excluding and oppressing others. These groups have been historically omitted from the planning and policy making of our national school system and as such we have failed to recognize and meet their needs.

Our intent is to examine our local practices; from classroom curriculum, communication systems, lunch menus and hiring practices – to district policies that may be unwittingly (or otherwise) contributing to the preservation of this injustice.

Most importantly, we will be examining ourselves and our own biases and predispositions, and supporting our colleagues and community leaders as they examine theirs. We will work to develop a plan that will set a course for an equitable future for all of the students and families we serve. (Statement developed by the OISD Equity Committee Spring 2021)

Where we're at.

We're we're going.

Want to get involved? Contact Committee Chair:

Meagan Gable @ mgable@orcas.k12.wa.us

The People

Below is a list of the people who will be working to transform our current practices at a systemic level to eliminate disproportionality in education and in all aspects of its administration. This will take time, research, and the involvement of the true experts- our students and our community.

The Staff Equity Committee is a group of passionate OISD staff members. They have made the commitment to "do the work." They will be acting as researchers, information gatherers, community liaisons, and most importantly- as listeners.

The Steering Committee is designed to represent the folks our District serves- the Orcas Island Community! They are the committee's oversight group and will act as a check and balance for the work of the Equity Committee. Meagan Gable, Equity Committee Chair, will report directly to the Steering Committee.

STAFF EQUITY COMMITTEE:

  • Allison O'Brien (EL Specialist)

  • Becca Parish (Spanish Teacher)

  • Carla Shanks (Social and Emotional Learning Teacher)

  • Cathy Ferran (Executive Assistant to Superintendent)

  • Glenda Smith (Elementary Reading Specialist)

  • Madden Surbaugh (Food Service Director)

  • Meagan Gable (Middle School Counselor & Social and Emotional Learning Teacher)

  • Natasha Meskew (OASIS Teacher)

  • Robin Freeman (Para Partner Orcas Montessori)


STEERING COMMITTEE:

  • Tayla Malo (Student)

  • Sofia Fleming (Student)

  • Heidi Bruce (Parent)

  • Rosedanie Cadet (Community)

  • Lynsey Smith (Community)

  • Greg White (OISD School Board)

  • Eric Webb (OISD Superintendent)


Resources for Students

Resources for OISD Staff

Resources for Parents/Guardians

Resources for All

Meetings Notes...

QUESTIONS?

Feel free to contact Meagan Gable with any questions, comments, complaints, concerns... All feedback is welcomed! mgable@orcas.k12.wa.us or 360-488-6965 (cell).