Bridging Achievement Gaps
As part of our long-term strategic plan, we’re focused on bridging achievement and opportunity gaps for our students.
To accomplish this goal, Staunton City Schools formed an Equity Committee in the fall of 2020 composed of 20 members—citizens, parents, students and staff. The Equity Committee was an advisory committee to the superintendent, whose work was supported by The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC).
The committee submitted its plan to the superintendent in the spring of 2021, and VCIC presented final committee recommendations to the School Board for review and approval in the summer of 2021. The majority of the committee’s recommendations are now included in the division’s four-year strategic plan. The committee’s work concluded in 2021.
Our Approach
The School Board’s Strategic Plan lays out several actions SCS is taking to achieve educational equity as follows:
- Develop and host a division-wide Kindness Challenge to encourage empathy and respect among students and the community.
- Incorporate restorative justice practices in school settings to create just and equitable learning environments, build and maintain healthy relationships, and transform conflict.
- Develop an Alternative to Suspension Program and other program offerings for students who thrive in different learning environments.
- Develop parent partnerships that advance their involvement in learning and social-emotional development for students.
- Explore and pursue opportunities for strategic collaboration with regional programs and services, institutions of higher learning, and community organizations.
- Recruit and retain a diverse population of staff.