Equity Services

June 16, 2020 – PSBA’s Equity Commitment and Action Plan

Imagine a stone falling into a still pond and the ripples that form on the pond’s surface lasting long after it hits. That stone is the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s been dropped into the center of community and student populations that comprise our most vulnerable. The shutdown of schools and disconnect from what is, in some instances, a sustaining connection to necessary supports, has been a massive disruptor in the lives of those who can least absorb the impact. Add to it business closures and unemployment and a tenuous situation becomes dire.

Read more about the inequities caused by COVID-19 on Pennsylvania communities and education by clicking here.

Adopt the resolution against racial inequity

School boards are asked to adopt this resolution supporting the development of an anti-racist climate. The resolution is a template and may be revised based on local context to reflect the needs and commitments of your board and to include action steps taken to support this goal. Once adopted, share your resolution with your local community and submit a copy to PSBA.

Click here to download the resolution.

Click here to submit your adopted resolution.

Equity Communication Guidance

During this historic time in our nation, Pennsylvania school board directors and district leaders have looked to engage their communities in more meaningful conversations around critical issues of equity, antiracism, civil rights and social justice. To assist, the Pennsylvania School Boards Association is providing guidance on communicating about equity and related issues in school communities. This guidance supplements PSBA’s ongoing commitment to provide equity training, tools and support for our member school districts in offering equitable learning environments and opportunities for all students.

Click here to download the Equity Communications Guide.

PSBA will continue the path forward by addressing specific equity issues in the form of webinars, podcasts, educational training and workshops, resource guides, toolkits, and policy.

For more information, contact Dr. Heather Bennett, director of school equity services, at heather.bennett@psba.org or 717-506-2450 ext. 3384.

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Equity Taskforce

Listen to public school leaders as they describe why Equity is important and how it impacts their school districts. Then, explore the practices being utilized to move equity forward in their school districts. Use these testimonials to discover how Equity can support you in an effort to create a just and fair distribution of resources for all your student’s needs.