Board approves participation in regional equity and belonging committee

The North Bend SD 13 Board of Education on Sept. 4 approved participating in a regional equity and belonging committee organized by the South Coast Education Service District, saying the regional committee will satisfy the district’s statutory requirement to appoint an equity committee.

District staff cited "O RS329711" (as read on the record) as providing definitions related to the committee’s role. Staff described the proposed regional committee as advisory: it will convene representatives from participating districts, review data, and advise local boards and superintendents on decisions that could disproportionately affect particular student groups.

One board member asked what specific commitments membership would require and whether the committee equates to DEI work; staff responded the regional model reduces workload for very small districts by consolidating resources and that the committee’s role is to provide an additional set of eyes on decisions and flag possible negative impacts for identified student groups.

A board member moved to approve participation in the South Coast ESD regional equity and belonging committee; the motion passed by voice vote with one board member recorded as opposed in the meeting record.

Staff said the regional committee will meet and provide advisory recommendations to the board and superintendent; any formal policy changes would remain the responsibility of the local board.