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CORE BELIEFS
As educators, we are committed to meeting the diverse needs of our students. This means we will serve the HCS community by creating a positive change for students who may not be receiving equitable treatment. We recognize both the existence of disparity in our community and the importance of continuing efforts to remedy those imbalances where they exist in the school system. We have been entrusted at this moment to make a positive difference in the lives of our students. In order to do this, we need to understand the problems that occur on our watch and find appropriate solutions.We must eliminate any barriers in our school district that have the effect of impeding a child’s academic and social-emotional development so that all may succeed.
Our school system seeks to serve students beyond their curricular needs. Our leaders find ways to celebrate our diversity and create unity. Among our thousands of students, more than 50 languages are spoken. Celebration and engagement of this diversity occur in a number of ways, ranging from research-based practices to focus groups. Conversations and understanding sit at the heart of all we do.
Hoover City Schools' Chief Administrative Officer, Dr. Terry Lamar, works to ensure that student voices are heard and administrators engage in sound diversity and equity practices. In recent years, consider some of the district's efforts:
- District-wide diversity and equity training
- Formation of District Equity Committee
- Student focus group research
- Formation of Parent Equity Committee
- Whole Board (of Education) Training centered on diversity and equity
- Partnerships with local, state, and national organizations (e.g., The Elam Leadership Institute)
The aforementioned partnerships also include local colleges and universities. The District Equity Committee/district leadership engage in collaborative training with professors, trainers, and diversity/equity experts.
