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Stow-Munroe Falls board removes 'diversity and inclusion' from strategic goal, approves emergency parent-engagement amendment
Summary
The board unanimously approved changing strategic goal No. 9 language—removing the words "diversity and inclusion" and adopting "opportunities for all"—and approved an emergency amendment to Policy 02/2011 clarifying parent engagement language after staff described legal guidance tied to federal funding and recent executive letters.
The Stow-Munroe Falls City School District Board of Education voted unanimously on April 14 to revise strategic goal number 9 of its 2021–2026 strategic plan and to approve an emergency amendment to the district’s parent- and family-engagement policy.
The board approved replacing the phrase “diversity and inclusion” in the strategic plan with “opportunities for all.” The revised objective reads, in part, “foster a culture where every student and staff member feels valued, respected, and supported,” with action steps to ensure staff understand how to create welcoming and affirming environments, gather student feedback, and review data to develop targeted action plans addressing discipline and achievement gaps.
Board leadership said the revisions were made after reviewing recent executive letters and legal guidance related to federal funding requirements. Superintendent Dr. Gould told the board the changes were intended to protect federal funding streams that support vulnerable students while retaining the district’s commitment to equity and support for all students.
One board member said the change felt uncomfortable but that following legal counsel and ensuring continued receipt of federal funds were priorities. The board did not adopt language that would change programmatic commitments; rather, members said the revision is a wording change to align policy with legal guidance and to preserve funding that benefits students with demonstrated needs.
Separately, the board approved an emergency amendment to Policy 02/2011 (Parent and Family Engagement). The policy text as amended adds a clarifying sentence stating that any particular attention paid in engagement plans to parents who are economically disadvantaged, disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or belong to racial or ethnic minority groups “does not result in any disfavoring of any other families who are not part of these groups.” Board members explained the sentence is intended to ensure engagement practices are inclusive of all families while allowing for supports—such as translation services—when required.
Both motions passed on roll call votes. For the strategic-goal revision, board members recorded unanimous “aye” votes in sequence: E. J. Jenkins; Morelietti; Srdonek; Wende. For the emergency amendment to Policy 02/2011, members likewise recorded unanimous “aye” votes: E. J. Jenkins; Maletti; Sudonek; Wind (recordings show consistent unanimous approval across the roll calls).
Board members said the changes will be posted for public review and that the administration will continue to monitor federal guidance, state directives and legal guidance to ensure district policies support student needs and federal compliance. The board also said it would continue to collect feedback from families and staff as the district implements the revised language.
