More than 140 school leaders in Colonial met virtually on Tuesday, December 8th to continue to work on equity in schools across the district. Grouped as school-based equity teams, the staff decided how to approach the subject of racial equity in the workplace and in the classroom while focusing on understanding how race can impact both personal and professional lives. Tasked with finding the best ways to further this work in their schools, staff are using a variety of methods to take a deeper dive on the matter. Some schools decided to start with a book study, others decided to focus on data that will lead to a deeper understanding of what impacts the lives of black and brown students. Staff also decided to work in smaller independent groups with hopes of getting the perspective of others who are often uncomfortable speaking their truth in larger gatherings. Principal Amina Baaith stated “Above all else, we need everyone to understand that this work is much more than a task we are doing, it’s about evolving our culture as a district and showing who we are” 

While the stress of working on their daily duties during the pandemic is a concern, the educators expressed a commitment to take a deep dive into a subject that has no quick resolutions but will benefit everyone in Colonial Nation.