Rock Ridge Adopts an Equity Plan

In the fall of 2022, staff at Rock Ridge Public Schools created a Culture and Climate committee. Composed of twelve volunteer attendees, including administrators and several staff, the group has done significant work to increase the sense of belonging for students and staff at Rock Ridge. Last spring, the committee worked to create expectations and norms for our new building, based on input from students and teachers. The district supported the committee’s efforts by compensating them for time over the summer to create an intentional first week of school focused on building relationships, increasing awareness of supports within the building, and reducing the anxiety that comes with a new space.

Over the course of 2023, an Equity Plan was presented to the board on several occasions by the Superintendent. Working with the school board made it clear that some members were uncomfortable with the plan. They had questions about focusing on race. Were there concerns about the way Rock Ridge was handling situations that would make the adoption of such a plan necessary? The conversation created an opportunity to offer more information on equity—that it means making sure all students and staff have what they need to thrive and is not always focused on race. In fact, given our demographics at Rock Ridge, socioeconomic disparities are a more relevant factor. These conversations helped to move a majority to adopt the plan. This made Rock Ridge the first district in our immediate area to have a written Equity Plan.

Based on this plan, Rock Ridge has affirmed the following: Rock Ridge is committed to having students thrive and grow as unique individuals; Rock Ridge believes we should appreciate and celebrate our differences and similarities; Rock Ridge is committed to creating a community that embraces a diversity of thought and action; and Rock Ridge believes we are stronger together.

This work is supported by the Positive Community Norms Grant, which focuses on prevention of student substance use and correcting misperceptions of use. We celebrate and share that MOST Rock Ridge students DON’T drink or vape. We also understand that belonging and feelings of safety are necessary components of prevention. At Rock Ridge, we grow the good that already exists, which means we work within our staff and student body to be a place where teachers and students want to be.

If you have questions about this work, reach out to Cassandra Hainey at cassandra.hainey@rrps.org.

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by Cassandra Hainey, Positive Community Norms Grant Coordinator at Rock Ridge Public Schools