High Desert ESD adopts equity policy

The High Desert Education Service District’s board of directors voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve a new policy designed to promote belonging, connection and inclusion for students, families and employees of the organization.

The policy, developed by a team of HDESD employees and administrators, is one of four projects currently underway in support of the organization’s commitment to honor individual identities, histories and cultures within Central Oregon’s education system.

“Equity work is something we must do to support the safety and well-being of all of our students and something I know we can all stand for,” said HDESD Superintendent Paul Andrews. “Our goal is to develop students as empowered individuals so they will have greater opportunities, a voice in this world and a claim to their individual humanity.”

The HDESD Equity Policy calls for culturally responsive, equitable practices that will ensure the success of all students and families regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, cognitive/physical ability, language, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or religion.

The policy states that the principle of equity goes beyond formal equality where all persons are treated the same. Instead, equity fosters an inclusive and barrier-free environment in which everyone will fully benefit.

Andrews explained that the HDESD will apply this principle of equity to all policies, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.

“We know a policy is simply words on paper, but we started on this equity journey almost two years ago with a team of 15 HDESD employees and we now have more than 75 individuals at all levels within the organization leading and contributing to this critical work,” said Andrews.

There are four workgroups creating action plans to enhance HDESD’s equity efforts including policy, human resources, training and affinity/advocacy groups.

“This work is critical to our organization and the students and families we serve,” said HDESD Board Chair Kathy Biles. “In our role as a provider of regional services to Central Oregon students and families, we believe it’s critical to be a strong voice and advocate for equity alongside our partner school districts.”

“Our vision is to ensure that one’s zip code, gender, ethnicity and family background are not obstacles for any of our employees or the children and families we serve,” added Andrews. “We want this work to reach far beyond these initial steps as we weave equity into the fabric of our organizational culture and the programs we provide.”