OPS adopts resolution to affirm commitment to racial equity

August 28, 2020 | 12:09 am

Updated August 28, 2020 | 12:11 am

Graphic by Owensboro Times

During Thursday’s Owensboro Public School Board of Education meeting, a resolution was made to affirm the district’s commitment to racial equity.

Superintendent Dr. Matthew Constant said while there were also measures in place throughout the state, he felt it was important to make it more tailored to Owensboro Public Schools.

Constant said since he arrived in the area 10 years ago, it’s been something he’s wanted to emphasize, and with what’s going on in the world, he said it was more important to do something now.

“It’s going to be hard, it’s going to be tough,” he said. “We’re going to have some hard conversations but they’re needed in order to make change.”

In determining their resolution, Constant said he looked around for guidance from other areas.

“There are a few districts around the country that have done something similar,” he said. “They are larger districts than we are, but coming out with a strong statement from a board that’s very honest I think speaks to our public, and for them to know what we’re really about and what we want to do.”

The resolution states:

WHEREAS, the vision of the Owensboro Independent Board of Education is to ensure that each student is empowered and equipped with the knowledge and skills to be successful in a complex and competitive world.

WHEREAS, the Owensboro Independent Board of Education resolutely stands against all acts of racism and violence.

WHEREAS, this unique and historic moment in our country’s evolution presents an opportunity and a challenge for all of us to be part of creating a better educational community for students – and importantly – for African-American students and students of color.

WHEREAS, our Commonwealth’s public schools have a history of racial inequity. Even today, students and staff of color – particularly African-American students and staff – are often left out of the conversation and remain unheard.

WHEREAS, academic achievement gaps prove to be pernicious challenges that have not been successfully eliminated. Even with the progress we have made in recent decades with increases in achievement overall, there has been no significant reduction in closing such gaps between racial groups. In fact, in some school districts gaps have widened.

WHEREAS, the Owensboro Independent Board of Education is committed to delivering on its core promises to every member of our public-school system. Every child deserves a high-quality education. Every staff member deserves to be respected in the workplace. Every voice deserves to be heard.

WHEREAS, we believe that educational leaders must embrace diversity, assure equality and shape the future of all of children. The Owensboro Independent Board of Education is dedicated to tackling racism through support of inclusionary teacher preparation programs that put highly qualified teachers of color in front of students and school improvement options for local districts to close achievement gaps.

WHEREAS, every student in the Commonwealth deserves equitable access to excellent educators who have unique experiences and perspectives, quality preparation, and are committed to the success of all learners. Owensboro’s education leaders have a shared responsibility to deliver a high-quality education to all students. Together, with deliberate action and shared commitment, we can deliver on that promise.

WHEREAS, the initiatives that promote the development of a teaching population that reflects the makeup of the student population have fallen woefully short. According to the Owensboro Independent School Report Card, OPS’ African American teacher workforce during the 2018-2019 school year was a mere 2.6%. That percentage is conspicuously low when compared to Kentucky’s African-American student population at 14%.

WHEREAS, pursuant to KRS 158.649 and 703 KAR 5:225, the Owensboro Independent School District pledges to develop, review and revise a comprehensive school improvement plan that includes biennial targets, strategies, activities and a time schedule calculated to eliminate the achievement gap among various groups of students to the extent that such a gap exists.

WHEREAS, we acknowledge that the Owensboro Independent Schools must make a concerted effort to address the social and emotional health of our students and staff. As we confront the convergence of serious racial unrest and a global pandemic, we know that many members of our education family – children, youth and adults – will return to school this fall experiencing some level of trauma. Mental health must be at the forefront of a ll our decision-making.

WHEREAS, we stand firm in these beliefs and our resolve to bring about meaningful change in all Owensboro Independent schools. Without such change, socioeconomic and racial opportunity gaps that have existed for decades will undoubtedly continue.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Owensboro Independent Board of Education will amplify our voice in support of minority students, their families and minority educators. We will not only listen to their concerns and aspirations, but we pledge to leverage those concerns and aspirations to inform our actions.

BE IT RESOLVED, that we call on educators, schools and districts to commit to listening to those seeking to be heard and to ensure that young people of color feel valued and safe in school and the community. We challenge our students, families, staff, and community to join together to break down the barriers that stand between students of color and the equitable education they deserve. We envision a future where all educational leaders actively engage minority voices within their communities to influence decisions.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Owensboro Independent School District has authorized the Superintendent to begin work in the creation of an Equity Task Force. Work shall consist of gaining input from parents, students, staff, and community in the formulation of specific plans to address necessary goals related to African American student achievement as well as mental/ emotional well-being.

BE IT RESOLVED, the Owensboro Independent Board of Education pledges to examine policies, procedures and funding decisions to ensure children of every race have equal access to educational opportunities. We urge district leaders to think unconventionally and innovatively to serve all students because conventional methods clearly have not yielded the results we need, dismantle racism in our schools and ensure that educational equity becomes reality for every Owensboro Independent learner in every classroom.

BE IT RESOLVED, the Owensboro Independent Board of Education calls on our Superintendent to continue and reinvigorate the work of the foster a culture of anti-racism and further racial equality within our public schools, and authorizes the creation of an Equity Task Force. Work shall consist of gaining input from parents, students, staff, and community in the formulation of specific plans to address necessary goals related to African American student achievement as well as mental/emotional well-being.”

August 28, 2020 | 12:09 am

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