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Atlanta Schoolboard member Erika Mitchell Proposes Equity and Anti-racism Resolution for Atlanta Public Schools
Atlanta, GA – August 10, 2020 – On Monday, August 3, 2020, the Atlanta Board of Education passed the Equity and Anti-racism Resolution for Atlanta Public Schools, written by school board member Erika Mitchell – District 5. This resolution was drafted to address the recent incidents of violence against Black Americans, systemic bias and institutional racism, and to express the Board of Education’s commitment to provide each student at every school with the full support and opportunity to fulfill their highest potential.
In the spirit of progressive action, the Atlanta Board of Education has adopted an equity policy, developed a strategic plan, and approved the Student Success Formula to provide students with additional and differentiated resources based on their educational needs. The board acknowledges the experiences of marginalized and underserved groups, and believes that all children, families, and staff should experience an equitable and anti-racist educational system.
“We seek to understand, disrupt, and dismantle patterns and structures of institutional bias (conscious or unconscious) creating disparities and perpetuating achievement gaps among students, and ensure all children and families are able to thrive.” Ms. Mitchell wrote in the resolution. Through the resolution, the Atlanta Board of Education commits to working with local government agencies to strengthen the collective work of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the community, including board member participation in a multi-discipline inter-agency task force. One or more board members are committed to working on this committee. This resolution also complements the new position announced by Superintendent Herring – an opening for Chief Equity and Social Justice Officer for APS.
Ms. Mitchell is elected to serves as Steering Committee Member of the Council of Urban Boards of Education, where she chairs the policy and resolution committee and Secretary of the National Black Council of School Board Members for the National School Board Association. Additionally, Ms. Mitchell serves on the Atlanta Board of Education’s Policy Review Committee and Audit Committee and many other servant leadership positions.
For more information, please contact Board Member Mitchell at admin@erikaymitchell.com or 404-709-5515
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