Board takes first reading of revised 'Resolution of Commitment to Students'; members debate language on racial equity and terminology

The Salem‑Keizer School District Board held a first reading on Sept. 9 of a substantially rewritten “Resolution of Commitment to Students” that centers the district’s newly adopted five core values and reaffirms an equity-based approach to serving students.

What staff presented: Superintendent Castaneda said the resolution is a board document — “not a district resolution” — and was rewritten to align with the board’s recently adopted five core values, noting that equity is a central element. “It is and remains at the center of everything we do,” Castaneda told the board, adding the draft moves to “very practical action” that reflects current district practices.

Board reactions and the core debate: Board members praised the draft for clearer, more accessible language and for aligning to values and concrete actions. Multiple directors expressed support for the resolution’s emphasis on equity and on practical measures such as cultural observances and inclusive calendar items.

Difference of opinion on specific language: Several members voiced concern that the revised resolution omits explicit phrases used in prior drafts — specifically the terms “anti‑racist” and an explicit denouncement of “white supremacy.” Director Fuller said she was worried those words were removed: “My concern…those words are gone and what that might mean to people who were so happy to see it in there,” she said.

Other members explained the omission as an effort to make the resolution more widely readable and to center racial healing and shared civic purpose. One director said using labels such as “anti‑racist” or “white supremacist” had at times been deployed in the community in ways that hindered productive dialogue and that the new draft seeks to emphasize unity and action. Superintendent Castaneda and several board members described the document as an operational commitment tied to the board’s role rather than a district‑wide policy change.

What the transcript records as next steps: This meeting recorded the item as a first reading; the board engaged in a lengthy, substantive discussion but did not vote on the resolution at the Sept. 9 session. Members said the document would continue to be discussed, and that it should reflect the board’s consensus when returned for a final vote.

Clarifying context: Several speakers noted the resolution references specific calendar observances (for example, Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Pride Month and others) and adds transparency measures tied to legally required data collection in other policy work. The transcript does not include final adopted text or a timetable for a final vote.