The Board of Education is committed to ensuring our schools are places where every student is welcomed, respected, celebrated and supported while receiving the highest quality education. To help further the district’s work toward this goal, the Board of Education has directed Superintendent Paul Imhoff, Ed.D., to create an Equity Advisory Board that will bring students, staff members, parents/guardians and professionals with expertise in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion.
On June 24, 2020, the Board of Education endorsed Dr. Imhoff’s proposal for the formation and initial goals of the Equity Advisory Board.
The purpose of this Advisory Board is to utilize expert guidance and experience to create solutions in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion and to ensure the district continues to move forward in its commitment to all diversity, equity and inclusion work.
This volunteer group will be formed by the superintendent. It will be composed of committed individuals with a deep understanding of the importance and role equity plays in building a strong community. The Advisory Board will include 12 to 15 members, with representation from students, staff members, parents and professionals in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Interested individuals may submit a letter of interest and a resume detailing experience in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion to Superintendent Paul Imhoff, Ed.D., by emailing
[email protected] or by mail to 1950 North Mallway Drive, Upper Arlington, OH 43221. Applications will be due July 31, 2020.
Full Advisory Board membership will be established by the end of August 2020 with a first meeting in September 2020. The Advisory Board will meet monthly, with meetings facilitated by the district’s new executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Initially, the Equity Advisory Board will be charged with the goals listed below:
- Identifying, gathering and reviewing data to gain an understanding of the true student, staff and family experience in the Upper Arlington community;
- Defining equity as it relates to the overall mission and strategic plan of the district;
- Supporting relationships with the City of Upper Arlington and other local public entities engaging in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts;
- Building a sense of openness and safety in navigating uncomfortable conversations with and amongst the Upper Arlington community; and
- Providing insight and feedback on recruiting and retaining a diverse staff when job openings are available.
We believe this initial work will provide an important foundation to guide the future work of the Equity Advisory Board as well as the existing diversity, equity and inclusion teams at the district and building level.
To learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the Equity Advisory Board, please view the full proposal for the Advisory Board, approved by the Board of Education on June 24, 2020.