The Bexley City School District is honored to be selected as a recipient of the Diversifying the Education Profession in Ohio grant from the Ohio Department of Education.
“Bexley City Schools began a journey toward equity and anti-racism almost 10 years ago,” Racquel Armstrong, Bexley Middle School Assistant Principal, said. “This grant intends to continue to address our goal of promoting a culture of equity.”
The grant will aid in the implementation of a plan to recruit and retain staff of color.
“The recruitment and retention of staff of color work to address the District’s desire to create an environment where all students experience a sense of belonging,” Dr. Dan Good, Interim Superintendent, said. “We intend to address our goal of promoting a culture of equity and inclusion so all students can flourish academically and socially.”
Bexley City Schools will implement this action plan over the course of 2 years. The district plans to create a Diversifying the Education Profession committee, which includes district leadership, teachers, and community members. Bexley Schools also will engage in listening tours and host community conversations.
The District will provide mentoring, professional development, and ongoing support to diverse faculty that are hired. BCSD will continue to provide ongoing professional development for all staff that is focused on sustaining a culture of equity and inclusion.
“Our district recognizes that staff diversity has a positive impact on student performance and achievement,” Armstrong said. “Improving the diversity of the teaching staff offers a broader scope of ideas and resources that teachers can draw upon in order to help students navigate the global world around them.”
BCSD received $70,000 for the Diversifying the Education Profession in Ohio grant, which will be paid out during a 3-year period. ODE awarded the grant to 24 districts in Ohio.