They’ve been recognized on multiple fronts in recent weeks as an outstanding school of excellence and last night, at their regular November board meeting, the St. Joseph Public Schools Board of Education took a broad step for diversity and inclusion in the system by unanimous approval of a resolution to foster equity in education for all students. The resolution strengthens the district’s commitment to ensuring all students have equal access and resources to meet their goals in any St. Joseph Public School educational setting.
In September of this year, the District formed the Task Force for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (TIDE) to continue the work begun in previous years. The board says that the St. Joseph Public School system offers a world class education to its students in a region that hosts international companies and employees from all over the world.
Recently, the Niche index found the St. Joe system to be in the top 2-percent of all school districts in the nation and ranked #11 in Michigan. Instructionally, the teaching staff ranked #2 in the state. Board members say those outstanding professionals have raised their level of performance by attending a variety of professional development programs over the last few years, adding that as a benefit, the ‘feel’ and productivity of the district continues to improve.
Nevertheless, the Board of Education believes it can do more by increasing the intentionality of programs, practices, and training. That means, in part, directly addressing the mechanisms and processes for hiring and training staff, reviewing and improving curriculum and instructional practices, and assessing the academic success and growth of all students.
School Superintendent, Dr. Tom Bruce says, “In a quest for meeting the needs of the current and future workforce, it is imperative that all St. Joseph Public Schools students have access to a high quality education, have the resources to meet their goals and in the end, are opportunity-ready for whatever comes their way in their world.”
Over the last 12 months, the Board of Education has discussed this important topic to define its goals and mission for the school district and community, and over time, the resolution took shape. Board President, Barry Conybeare, says, “The Board of Education understands the difficult reality facing many of our students and we must do everything in our power to foster diverse and equitable systems throughout our school community. The resolution is the Board’s message to our students, families, and staff that we intend to make real, positive, and lasting improvement related to inclusion, diversity, and equity.”
TIDE members currently include Board of Education President Barry Conybeare, Superintendent Dr. Thomas Bruce, High School Principal Greg Blomgren, Boys and Girls Club Director Liji Hanny, Berrien RESA Whole Child Consultant Amanda Lezotte, Oakland County Schools Diversity and Equity Consultant Dr. Jay Marks, Manager of Diversity and Inclusion at Spectrum Health Lakeland Jerry Price, OutCenter of Southwest Michigan Executive Director Mary Jo Schnell and high school students Luke Bingaman, DeAsia Branch, Myla Jackson, and Norah Judge.
