Commentary by Beth Niedermeyer
Last year, we announced our Best for Kids strategic plan designed to enhance the learning experience at Noblesville Schools and provide our students increased support for success.
I wanted to take this opportunity to provide an update on the important work we’ve been doing regarding the plan’s diversity component.
At Noblesville Schools, we are committed to creating a culture that understands, accepts, celebrates and respects the diversity of all of our students, staff and the community.
Since 2017, we have implemented approximately 60 different action items across the district focused on building a stronger culture of equity and acceptance in our schools. This is in addition to our community outreach as founding members of the Noblesville Diversity Coalition.
Some examples of the work that’s been happening include staff development, data collection, goal setting and measurement, curriculum reviews with an eye toward diverse resources and representation, enhanced student diversity communications and support and changes in our recruiting practices to identify more diverse candidates for consideration.
We’ve been collaborating with district leaders, teachers, students, parents, support staff, counselors, community resources and professional experts on these efforts to ensure we are considering many voices as we move forward.
One change in particular I’m excited to share is an update to our district mission that speaks directly to our commitment of celebrating diversity and promoting equity for all:
Noblesville Schools creates an inclusive, learner-centered culture that develops future-ready skills through relevant experiences supported by strong relationships that celebrate diversity and promote equity among students, staff, parents and the community.
If you’d like to learn more about our diversity efforts, please find the appropriate representative at your school to connect with for further discussion by visiting bit.ly/2UBOR8S. I’d also encourage you to engage with the Noblesville Diversity Coalition at facebook.com/NoblesvilleDiversity.
Beth Niedermeyer is the superintendent of Noblesville Schools. She can be reached at [email protected].
