As I prepare to begin my 15th year as a superintendent of schools in New York – and my first in the City School District of Albany – I am once again reminded of how proud I am to live and work in a state and community that hold diversity, equity and inclusion as core values.
On behalf of our Board of Education and our school district, I would like to express our strong support for the guidance that New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty A. Rosa issued Thursday to remind us all of our obligation to these fundamental principles.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are, of course, central to the guiding principles of our school district, deeply held by our educators and staff for many years. Our board established the district’s first Equity in Education Policy in 2019, formalizing our organizational commitment to ensuring that every student is supported with the resources they need to succeed.
As we look ahead to the 2023-24 school year, we remain firmly committed to our vision of being a district of excellence with caring relationships and engaging learning opportunities that provide equitable opportunities for all students to reach their potential.
We will continue to support culturally responsive teaching and learning throughout our classrooms and curriculum.
We will continue to support our building-level equity teams, emphasizing student voice as an integral component of that work.
We will continue to work together with our families and community partners to address disproportionate rates of suspension for students of color and students with disabilities.
We will continue to invest in the social-emotional and mental health supports our students need, and work to promote a culture and climate that is safe and free from bullying and harassment throughout our school community.
Please take a few moments to read Thursday’s full message from the attorney general and commissioner of education. We echo and support their message, which includes these important words from Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young Jr.:
“As citizens of this great state, we are responsible for prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion in our education system,” the chancellor said. “By incorporating diverse perspectives into the curriculum, our students can learn to respect and value others.
“We have a responsibility to remove the barriers that stand in the way of success for many students. In partnership with Attorney General James and our school and district leaders, the (State Education) Department and Board of Regents can foster a safe, supportive environment where all New York state students feel included and welcome.”
