Equity that shows up in outcomes
Close achievement gaps so all students benefit from progress
Reduce and eliminate disproportionate discipline of black students, students with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged students
Remove barriers to participation in school and community programming
If progress only works for some, it isn’t progress!
Culture
Foster a boardroom and school culture grounded in mutual respect, professionalism, and openness
Ensure all students, staff, families, and community members have access to the same information; not just a select few
Create safe, productive ways to raise concerns without fear of retaliation
A healthy organization doesn’t silence concerns; it learns from them!
Community
Strengthen connections between families and staff, especially those who have historically gone unheard
Build partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to better support students, families, staff, and the community as a whole
Recognize that board decisions affect the entire city; not just those with kids in our schools
Education is driven by relationships. A divided community cannot build strong schools.
Communication
Provide consistent, accurate information
Ensure expectations, timelines, and impacts are clearly explained
Reduce confusion by communicating early, frequently, and directly
If people walk away with different understandings, we haven’t communicated clearly enough.
Clarity
Acknowledge that school district budgets directly impact families, homeowners, renters, and local businesses
Improve clarity around financial projections, assumptions, and long-term impacts
Provide an in-depth look at where public funds are being used
Oversight of the use of public resources improves trust, and protects the district and board.
Consistency
Establish a clear framework for who makes which decisions and how those decisions are evaluated
Use consistent criteria to review outcomes and adjust when needed
Maintain strong board oversight to ensure systems are working as intended
Accountability is not an attack; it’s a responsibility.