School Board passes racial equity resolution

Published on Jun 23, 2020
School Board Photo: Dawn Steigauf, Ally Starks, Shonte Brown, Nelly Korman, Tom Bennett, Heather Starks, Beth Beebe, Mia Olson, Jim Sorum, Superintendent Les Fujitake

Bloomington School Board Members

Front (L-R): Clerk Dawn Steigauf, student representatives Ally Starks and Shonte Brown, Chair Nelly Korman; Back (L-R): Vice Chair Tom Bennett, Director Heather Starks, Treasurer Beth Beebe, Director Mia Olson, Director Jim Sorum, Superintendent Les Fujitake

The Bloomington School Board unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing its Safe and Supportive Schools plan to address racial inequities and foster school environments that promote respect for and curiosity about all cultures. The Board vote came in a meeting Monday evening.

The wide-ranging resolution also commits to using a racial-equity lens in the development of new or reforming current School Board goals and policies, and district educational curriculum.

“As leaders of Bloomington Public Schools, we are compelled to speak out in response to recent events that have called attention to racist attitudes and actions, and other forms of systemic racism which has a profound impact on our students, families, staff and community,” Chair Nelly Korman shared in reading the resolution.

“Providing a safe and supportive school environment that ensures the physical and emotional safety of students and staff creates the conditions necessary to foster academic achievement,” Korman added.

Korman said the school board plans to refresh its strategic plan with an emphasis on safe and supportive schools. 

“Providing a safe and supportive school environment that ensures the physical and emotional safety of students and staff creates the conditions necessary to foster academic achievement,” Korman said.