Burlington School Board Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion October, 2012

I. Defining the Role of Board The ultimate success of students in the Burlington School District requires the participation and collaboration of many players, including the School Board, the Superintendent, administrators, teachers, students, families and caregivers, community members, faith communities, city officials, legislators, and voters. The School Board has a unique role to play, empowered by the voters in our community to demonstrate leadership regarding equity and inclusion for our diverse student population. In addition to establishing policy for the District, the School Board affirms and defines its role in the following ways: 1. Create a Vision for Equity and Inclusion 2. Monitor Progress Toward the Vision 3. Engage the Community 4. Advocate for the Vision 5. Develop Board Capacity and Effectiveness

II. Mission and Vision for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Introduction The Burlington School Board embraces its role in establishing a long-term mission and vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion in our District, setting a direction for the work of the Board, Superintendent, and District in meeting the needs of all our students. Our mission recognizes that if we dont actively promote inclusion and equity, we are passively accepting an environment where some students are excluded and others are not supported in the ways they need to succeed. Our vision describes the District we hope to create, and we recognize that it will take growth, change, hard work and vigilance to achieve and maintain. Our vision embraces all students and families in our community, and our rich diversity is expressed through race, ethnicity, class, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, immigration status, language background, language proficiency, and family structure.

Mission Statement The mission of the Burlington School District for diversity, equity and inclusion is to actively include all students and to meet the unique needs of each student to support their success.

Vision Statement The Burlington School District is a welcoming, safe, and equitable community that is affirming and inclusive of every student. We see each student as unique and seek to empower all students to achieve their highest potential. We will provide equal access to learning opportunities, academic success, and school resources while meeting the unique needs of individual students. We have a culturally competent administration, faculty, and staff. Students are prepared to live in an inclusive, global community by learning to understand and appreciate human diversity and by developing cultural competence. We have a diverse and multicultural curriculum that reflects the wide range of voices, perspectives, and experiences of the students and families in our community. The diversity of our District is reflected in our teaching, support, and administrative staff, our buildings and our activities so that all students and families feel visible and included in our schools. The District will make steady and significant progress in closing achievement gaps and producing equitable outcomes in academic achievement, inclusion, and District resources.

III. Board Strategies for 2012/2013 Monitor Progress toward the Vision Affirm and direct the Superintendent to implement a District Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Monitor the implementation and outcomes of the District Strategic Plan Prioritize equity and inclusion efforts in evaluating the Superintendent Expect annual Equity & Inclusion Data Report Engage the Community Create a structure and open space for on-going dialogue with the community

Advocate for the Vision Make budget decisions through the lens of the Vision Communicate directly with the community about the importance and urgency of our vision Enhance Board Capacity and Effectiveness Participate in annual professional development around equity and inclusion Recruit more diverse Board members, and participation from diverse community members