Community Update
June 3, 2020
“It is a fact that in the right formation, the lifting power of many wings can achieve twice the distance of any bird flying alone.”– Unknown
Dear North Shore School District 112 Staff, Parents/Guardians, & Community,
I am writing in response to the recent events around the nation and our state related to the murder of George Floyd, an African-American man, in Minneapolis, MN. North Shore School District 112, our mission calls for us to nurture every child and become a contributing member of a global community. We stand for justice, equality, and fair and respectful treatment of all people.
We are committed to supporting an educational system that is grounded in the tenets of social justice, including the values that all people must be treated fairly -- there is no neutrality when it comes to racism and unjust behavior. As a white man, I have a duty to recognize and acknowledge the privileges that are afforded me due to the color of my skin and gender. I cannot pretend to fully understand the daily lived experiences of people of color, and the racialized trauma they are subjected to. As the leader of this school district, I will work to ensure that our practices reflect the need for action in terms of education and opportunity in an effort to contribute to the end of systemic racism.
We are committed to both expressing outrages at the unjust treatment of Black and Brown people and to acting on behalf of our 4,000 students and their families to provide impactful and meaningful educational opportunities that raise critical consciousness and are experienced free of racial bias and oppression.
What are we as a school district, committing to do about this? How are we going to do better? To start with, we are going to:
Fortify and continue the District 112 Equity Committee
- Develop an action plan for anti-bias training for all staff, families, and students
- Examine district practices to ensure equity, inclusion, safety, and acceptanceContinued analysis of the curriculum to strengthen the teaching of the rich histories of Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ people both past and present
Increase representation of Black, Latino, Asian, LGBTQ+ in text
As a courtesy, I am sharing Resources for Families and Teachers: Combating racism requires action, and parents have a crucial role to play in discussing race and racism at home with their children. It is imperative that children have access to these conversations, but don’t worry - there are resources that can help! Here are some actions you can do as a family to play your part in healing and creating a world that is safe for racially and linguistically diverse people.
In closing, I’m sharing the closing comments that I posted on my blog a few days ago:
Remember our motto is Inspire…Innovate…Engage through our collective efforts and unity in kindness and good we can help to create a more just and bias-free society. While we endure the uncertainty of a Pandemic and we bear witness to the tragedy of racism and systemic oppression, it is my belief that we can unite and learn and grow in partnership for the good and right!
While we commit to embedding the tenets of social justice and anti-racism in our core, we are not there yet. We have work to do to actualize equality in both action and results. We are committed to this work and to ensuring that each child is able to grow in an educational environment that is safe and actualizes their greatness.
To our students and families of color, I commit to start with me. I commit to not just reflect and discuss but to act upon injustice. I commit to acknowledge the rich contributions of Blacks and Latinos in the curriculum, to both listen and to act. I commit to using my power and privilege to fight against racist policies and practices. I commit to lead a school district that pays back the educational and societal debt that is owed to all of our children!
With regards,
Mike
Michael Lubelfeld Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools