Students, staff summarize equity committee findings and set priorities
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Summary
Student and staff members presented findings from past desegregation and NYU studies and outlined priorities for hiring, culturally responsive curriculum and family engagement; board members asked how the work will be sustained across grade levels.
Student members of the district equity committee and staff presented a review of historical and recent studies and proposed priorities for the coming year.
Presenters summarized work from a 1973 desegregation study and NYU reports (2007 and 2017) that identified gaps in staff representation, bilingual programming and access to higher-level courses. They said those studies consistently recommended increasing representative curriculum, strengthening family communication and promoting culturally responsive practices.
Students and staff told the board the committee will focus on retaining and hiring representative educators, dedicating time for equity work and using Panorama data to drive goals. One presenter said the committee will emphasize building student–teacher relationships and expanding culturally responsive instruction in middle and high schools.
Board members asked for clarification about next steps, including how the committee’s goals intersect with policies already before the board. Presenters recommended continued professional development and regular data review cycles, and they said family engagement through SEPTA and other events will inform planning and communication.