District-Wide Programs

Using an appraisal process, our committee evaluates the following 8 critical areas in our district, which are areas grounded in the research on equity in education:

1. Standards and Curriculum Development
2. School Climate/Environment
3. Professional Learning
4. Staff Hiring/Retention and Expectations
5. Assessment/Placement
6. School Organization/Administration
7. Assessing Community Needs
8. School Policy

These 8 critical areas encompass the three prongs that were previously identified as the district’s focus areas: (1) Cultural Responsiveness/Racial Equity Training & Professional Development; (2) Curriculum, Programs & Procedures; and (3) Staffing. Using an appraisal process, the District Equity Planning Committee will identify strengths and needs and will explore evidence-based best practices to provide recommendations for action items for the district to move forward.

Monthly meetings include a professional learning mini-session, followed by time to collaborate and brainstorm ideas; develop recommendations for action steps; and identify potential hurdles as well as ideas for combating these hurdles.

We solicited representatives from key stakeholder groups while ensuring diverse voices and perspectives would be present. The Equity Planning Committee is chaired by Keziah La Torre, Director of Equity and Cultural Responsiveness.

The committee includes: administrators (building-level and central office administrators), faculty, and support staff; and student representatives. As we move forward, we will also engage with families and community members.

Membership in the District Equity Planning Committee reflects  intentional overlap with the Board’s Racial Equity Oversight Committee as a way to facilitate effective communication and feedback loops between these two committees, as well as the WEA’s Educators for Racial Equity. We appreciate all of our committee members who are dedicated to helping to move our district forward in honoring and embracing diversity; interrupting racism and bias; and working toward inclusion and equity.

All members of the WSD community are encouraged to use our suggestion form to share feedback, suggestions, and/or concerns. Submissions will be checked daily during the school week and all submissions will go directly to the attention of the Director of Equity and Cultural Responsiveness.

Belonging & dei suggestion form