Upper Arlington Schools is committed to ensuring that our school district is a place where every member of our school community feels welcomed, valued, supported and embraced. 

We believe it is our responsibility to teach and lead with diversity, inclusiveness, empathy, compassion and civility, and provide our students, staff and families with the tools to bring us together as one.

Our mission is to challenge and support every student, every step of the way. As we move forward, we are committed to proactively responding to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) needs in a manner that supports all students and creates a culture of safety and connectedness. We are committed to doing the work, as a community, in order to ensure that every student has a safe space to learn, grow and thrive without fear of prejudice or bias. We will examine our policies and practices to ensure that all facets of our school culture truly reflect our mission, vision and values. We will seek to continuously raise awareness, develop understanding, and build skill through DEI programming and training opportunities. 

The Upper Arlington Board of Education acknowledges that acts of racism, prejudice, bias and bigotry occur within our schools and is committed to eliminating these experiences for students, families and staff.  We are committed to continue listening, learning, growing and improving educational practices so that every child has a safe space to learn, grow and thrive without fear of prejudice or bias. We are also committed to ensuring that diversity, equity and inclusion and the related issues of student achievement and safety are top of mind at all times.

Under the leadership of the Board of Education, the district has taken the following steps:

• Created an Equity Advisory Board to bring together the voices of students, staff, parents/guardians and community experts for guidance. 

• Created a new district-level leadership position for diversity, equity and inclusion. Staff, student and community feedback l informed the selection process.  

• Created this section of our district website to share our commitment to our diversity, equity and inclusion work and offer additional resources as they become available.

• Ensured diversity, equity and inclusion remain at the forefront by including an update in every Board of Education meeting and committee meeting. 

As we continue to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the district, this page will contain links and information regarding our programming and other DEI resources to support students, staff, and our community.

Matthew L. Boaz, executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion of Upper Arlington Schools, has extensive experience in the DEI field over the past 20 years in a variety of public agencies and educational institutions.  

Mr. Boaz came to Upper Arlington from the city of Toledo, where he served as the director of diversity and inclusion. Prior to that, he was the chief diversity officer at Wright State University.  He has also worked with the University of Cincinnati and Miami University during his career.

Mr. Boaz has a bachelor’s degree in ethnic studies/interpersonal and public communication and a master’s degree in public administration, both from Bowling Green State University.  He served in the U.S. Navy during the Desert Shield and Desert Storm campaigns.

As the executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion, Mr. Boaz will provide leadership to support, recognize and celebrate the dignity of all people. He will serve as a leader, mentor, facilitator, collaborator and resource for students and families, school leaders, faculty, staff, business partners, volunteers, donors, and friends.

Upper Arlington Schools is continuing to build on the diversity, equity and inclusion work that we began in 2016 and the commitments we made in our strategic plan. Our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion began in 2016 when the district partnered with the Upper Arlington Education Association and the Ohio Education Association to provide an unprecedented three-day training for more than 100 staff members from all areas of the district.  These staff members now serve as leaders in diversity, equity and inclusion work in their buildings and departments.

Our strategic plan builds on this foundation. Our strategic priority of student and staff well-being is rooted in our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe it is essential for our students and staff to feel a sense of belonging and balance in order to have safe learning environments in which everyone can thrive.