RCS board declines to approve equity policy

Although several Richmond Community Schools board members said they appreciated the work that community members put into writing an equity policy, board members didn’t support its full implementation.

Board members conducted an in-depth discussion at their Aug. 14 meeting, describing conversations they’ve had with Richmond Education Association’s Racial Equity Coalition members and their individual reviews of the proposal.

Representatives of the coalition submitted the proposed policy to the board at its June 19 meeting, saying proactive and preventative measures are needed to address harm being experienced by some students across the district. 

Ron Cross, RCS’ attorney, said he’d reviewed the coalition’s draft and met with some coalition members to provide them with legal feedback. Cross noted concerns about practical implications if the coalition’s policy was adopted.

Kristen Brunton, board president, said she met with two coalition members to discuss her individual perspective, and then asked fellow board members to say what they thought should happen next.  

While complimenting the coalition’s efforts, board members agreed that they didn’t support implementing an equity policy at this time. 

However, the board expressed interest in incorporating some definitions the coalition suggested into existing policies and cross-referencing existing policies for easier referral. 

Some also suggested weaving in some of the coalition’s statements about wanting all students to succeed into existing policies or the board beliefs document.

Board Vice President Nicole Stults said the board and coalition share the same goals: serving and protecting students.

“We want all of our students to feel loved and honored and cherished,” Stults said. “We all want that. So if there’s some underlying issues, I want to address those, whether that’s with training or with discussions and dialogue — I want to hit that straight on.”

Rather than a policy, Stults said she wants to continue communicating with the coalition about what improvements can be made.

“If we’re not doing what we feel like we should be doing as a corporation, what’s the problem?” Stults said. “What do we need to be doing? Personally, I feel we are trying to love on our students, all students of all races, of all colors, of all identities, but again, if others aren’t feeling that way, let’s talk, let’s see what we can be doing differently.”

Brunton said she’d attended REA’s helpful training on microaggressions and diversity a few years ago and recommended the coalition invest more money on educating the community and staff.  

Brunton asked board members to review the coalition’s proposal again and share their ideas soon about what could be used.

In other business

• The board voted 5-2 to not advance a student personal communication devices policy for a second reading. A new state law requires each district to implement a policy. Other shorter examples will be sought for consideration. Aaron Stevens, John Weber, Peter Zaleski, Kym Pickering and Austin Brann voted no. 
• After two votes, RCS’ personnel updates were approved. Zaleski had made a motion to table three athletic hires (dividing the existing sports information director stipend between two people, Jacob Bentley and Kevin Handley, and expanding athletic secretary Jennifer Lady’s contract from 225 to 260 days).
  Zaleski said he’s wanted to see an athletic budget and expenses plan for some time and hasn’t seen one. However, RCS has both a new athletic director and finance director who are learning their roles.
  RCS finance staff said they’d prepare an athletics report by fall break after the district’s 2025 budget is prepared.
  Zaleski’s motion was defeated 4-3, and in the next vote, consent items were approved 5-2. Brann and Zaleski voted no. 
• Centerstone will continue providing mental health and social services. Centerstone provides seven master’s level professionals and 18 family support specialists for 11 schools. There’s no cost to RCS. Students need Medicaid coverage to receive services. 
• Kristen Jones paid tribute to Steve Michael, a Starr Elementary paraprofessional, who died Aug. 8. 

The public can attend the board’s 5:30 p.m. work session and 6:30 p.m. business meeting, both on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at Central Office, 300 Hub Etchison Parkway.