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District unveils inclusive excellence framework; board members praise commitment amid political pressure
Summary
Equity and inclusion coordinator Aloda Sims presented a six-pillar "inclusive excellence" framework tied to the district strategic plan; Superintendent Lewis and several board members responded with statements emphasizing support for students and teachers amid national and state political debates.
Aloda Sims, Fridley Public Schools'equity and inclusion coordinator, presented the district's Inclusive Excellence Framework on April 15, describing six pillars, core initiative plans and a focus on shared collective responsibility.
"This framework will be our map, our guide to inclusive and equity growth within our district," Sims told the board. She said the framework ties to the district's strategic plan, will engage every stakeholder and will anchor equity work in IB, AVID and literacy efforts.
Superintendent Doctor Lewis framed the presentation in the context of the strategic plan and praised the work as central to the district's direction. The meeting then broadened into a longer discussion of public pressures on schools. Lewis read a statement criticizing recent federal comments on immigration enforcement and said the district must "stand up for our students." She called public education "a civil right" and said Fridley would continue to serve all students.
Several board members echoed the sentiment. Board treasurer Jones said she would "value every individual in Fridley Schools community" and emphasized student safety and high-quality instruction. Board member Stark announced she would remain on the board in part to resist what she described as anti-public-education campaigns and said, "If we are going to go down by God, I will go down swinging. I'm here to say not on my watch." Board Chair Karnaugh and other members expressed solidarity with staff and students.
The meeting included operational updates and no formal board vote on the framework; board members asked staff to continue implementation work tied to the strategic plan.
