- April 19, 2024
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The word equity is back in the school district's proposed Strategic Plan, this time with an asterisk.
At a Nov. 2 workshop, the School Board agreed to change the title of Goal 2 in the plan from “Equity” to “Student Supports,” leaving the goal itself intact, which is to “increase access for all students to a high-quality educational experience,” according to the plan’s “At a Glance” page.
"This goal aims to address the uniqueness of each student and reduce the challenges and barriers that impact student success," the plan states.
Board member Cheryl Massaro, who provided the third vote to substitute Student Supports for Equity, said she changed her mind after hearing community complaints.
At the Dec. 7 agenda workshop, board member Jill Woolbright suggested an alternative: using the term “Educational Equity,” as defined by Florida statutes. She proposed listing the statutes under the title.
The board ultimately agreed to the new title, but listing the statutes after the goal's text, not with the title.
Each of the six goals were presented by district staff to the board, which is expected to approve the plan's final draft at its next monthly meeting, re-scheduled to Dec. 14.
“We believe equity gives all our students the opportunity to achieve equal success."
BOBBY BOSSARDET, Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services
Bobby Bossardet, the district’s assistant superintendent for academic services, discussed the difference between equity and equality.
“Treating everybody equal doesn’t always end up in equal outcomes,” he said. “We believe equity gives all our students the opportunity to achieve equal success. That was the reason why (the goal) was presented to you with the word equity.”
Board member Janet McDonald was not in favor of returning the word to the title.
“Our hearts are all in the same place,” she said. “And if we let one word interrupt with our vision, we are all losing.”
Woolbright, who originally suggested taking the word out of the plan because of pushback from some community members, said a parent’s group that initially objected to the word's usage would be satisfied if it was defined by state statutes.
Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt said if the board wants to put in a disclaimer, it should add an asterisk to the new title of “Educational Equity,” and list the statutes on the bottom of the page to not “muddy up” the title.
The board agreed to change the draft, with McDonald dissenting.
The other goals in the plan are:
