CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITYRECOMMENDATIONSUNION COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION

MARCH 2021

UNION COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS STATED OBJECTIVE

• Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Diversity • The committee will serve as a forum to address conversations about

diversity and promote a school community that embraces acceptance, denounces, and takes action against prejudice and discrimination. (UCPS.k12.nc.us)

KEY FINDINGS

• The experiences of students of color in UCPS around diversity, equity and inclusion have not been positive – issues with both their peers and teachers.

• Diversity, equity and inclusion have not been a priority for the district in hiring, staffing and training.

• District policies have not served all students equitably

• There are disparities in resource distribution between “East” vs “West” school clusters

RECOMMENDATION AREAS

• Student Experience – Improve student experience through interventions/conversations at schools

• DEI Hiring/Staffing/Training – Provide continuous improvement

• Policy Changes – Drive systemic change

• Resource Distribution – Offer equitable opportunity for all

RECOMMENDATION #1 STUDENT EXPERIENCE:COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS IN SCHOOLS (PK-12)

• Incorporate diversity, equity & inclusion conversations to address issues

• Add High School programming to address issues at the school level – must be meaningful – not just talk. Opportunity to share real-world experiences.

• Incorporate interventions/educational opportunities for infractions – to increase cultural competence; educate students and staff on DEI (ex. Restorative Practices Training & Implementation)

• Implement marketing to highlight DEI & district-sponsored cultural awareness at all schools

• Student & faculty involvement to create impactful content (ex. “Discovering Culture” Days/Multicultural Days)

RECOMMENDATION #1 STUDENT EXPERIENCE:COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS IN SCHOOLS (PK-12)

• Address curriculum concerns including inaccurate representations of other cultures, religions as negative• Develop more culturally responsive curriculum across social studies, history, etc.

• Align DEI competence with Graduate Profile project

• Support students by addressing trauma & impact of discrimination and microaggressions

• Equip Teachers with Social Emotional Learning

RECOMMENDATION #2 DEI HIRING/STAFFING/TRAINING: DEI PROFESSIONAL AT EXECUTIVE LEVEL

• Hire a senior level “Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer” (external, new hire) and create an Office of Equity. Responsibilities include:• Focusing on diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) throughout the entire system

• Assessing needs/issues in district (diagnostic); making recommendations

• Equitable placement into EC and alternative settings to address disproportionate representation

• Address inequitable application of disciplinary practices

• Managing Change Management/Diversity Initiative district-wide

• Initiate a district-wide Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (on-going) training initiative

• Implementing district-wide marketing program to foster cross-cultural/DEI respect

RECOMMENDATION #2 DEI HIRING/STAFFING/TRAINING: DEI PROFESSIONAL AT EXECUTIVE LEVEL

• Hire a senior level “Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer” (external, new hire) and create an Office of Equity. Responsibilities include (cont’d):• Continuing Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Diversity council (combination of UCPS

employees, students, parents & the community)

• Providing input and “guardrails” on how decisions are being made and hold district accountable for DEI

• Acting in ”EEO”-type role where issues can be vetted

• Collaborating with HR Team in hiring of diverse faculty & administrative staff & coaches

RECOMMENDATION #3: POLICY CHANGESADDRESS POLICY THROUGH EQUITABLE LENS

• Incorporate Diversity, Equity & Inclusion values in the UCPS vision & mission statement• Communicate values and expectations from the top leadership levels “here’s what we value and

here are our expectations”

• High accountability for administrators, faculty & staff

• Transparency – provide clear policy and information to students, parents, community, and staff

• “Whole child” focus – hiring mental health professionals, additional nurses, Social Emotional Learning emphasis

• Report card results – address both wins and challenges

• Create policy to hold faculty, staff & administration accountable for upholding the values of diversity, equity & inclusion• Diversity training (# of hours) requirement

• “Zero tolerance” of discriminatory behavior for faculty & administration

RECOMMENDATION #4 RESOURCE DISTRIBUTIONTAKE STEPS TO ADDRESS INEQUITIES• Address inequities between “East vs West” school clusters

• Transparency about district-sponsored resources, PTOs, data/information

• Provide more support & resources for ESL families

• Equitable representation of communities on BOE

• Recruitment, Encouragement & Enrollment

• Promotion & marketing to all high performing students

• Educate parents about opportunities within district

• IB programs (provide transportation); AP classes (equitable representation)

• Gate sharing for athletics; more UCPS support for field maintenance

• Establish more mentoring programs for students

RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS

• Initiate national search (NC School Board Association) for Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

• Comprehensive review of strategic plan for implementation of DEI initiatives

• Continue Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Diversity council (combination of UCPS employees, students, parents & the community)