Indian Prairie District 204 administrators and school board members appear to be in agreement on an equity statement that espouses educational equality regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, family income or other factors.
Board members reviewed eight variations of the statement Monday night, and reached consensus on one.
It reads: “The District 204 Board of Education recognizes that in order to inspire all students to achieve their greatest potential we must lead and engage in a collective commitment to equity. The District recognizes that in order to provide educational opportunities that result in equitable outcomes it must work proactively to address racial and cultural biases and eliminate institutional structures and practices that affect student learning and achievement. We pledge to foster educational equity for all students by actively identifying and removing any barriers by ensuring that all policies, practices, programs, and procedures support and affirm each student.
“We are committed to creating a culture where all students and families feel safe, welcome, respected, and valued as part of the school community. We recognize that equity work is ongoing, and we pledge to engage the entire 204 community actively, including students, families, educators, and all stakeholders in our equity journey. This will be an accountable and measured examination of our educational system. Eliminating disparities in educational opportunities and embracing our diversity are fundamental to achieving overall excellence in our district.”
The board began discussing and drafting its declaration earlier this year in order to put into writing its commitment to narrowing achievement and opportunity gaps due to race, ethnicity, language, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, family background and/or family income.
“This isn’t a one-time shot. This is a statement that we’re going to have on our district site for many, many, many years and for maybe the entire future of our district,” board member Laurie Donahue said.
Board member Susan Taylor-Demming said she’d like to have a little more time for final tweaks but believed the board was close to having a final draft, which could be approved as soon as its next meeting.
“I am at a point where I strongly feel that we need to reach a consensus,” said Demming, who wrote the statement favored by board members. “It may not be perfect, but I truly feel that what’s really going to last is our action.”
Marian Banks, president of the nonprofit Parents Advocating for Greater Enrichment Students organization, agreed, saying it was time to the board to take action.
“We urge the board to move forward in tonight’s meeting and not only discuss but vote and approve an equity belief statement that focuses on examining data that is measurable and accountable,” said Banks, whose group is dedicated to narrowing the achievement gap that exists between African American students and their counterparts.
“It’s time to move forward determining the how and who so the district can start impacting our students during the ’20-21 school year,” said Maryann Sprinkle-Walker, co-chair of the Neuqua Valley High School group Parents and Administrators Together Helping Students. “Please end the debating on the verbiage and approve (this) as quickly as possible.”
The Illinois Association of School Boards 2020 Delegate Assembly will discuss whether to recommend a similar equity statement proposed by Indian Prairie for adoption. It’s one of 12 items to be voted on at the November assembly.
raguerrero@tribpub.com
