The Will and Skill of a Board Becoming Culturally Responsive

Like all superintendents, my experiences, values and beliefs guide my leadership focus. Similarly, board of education members apply their unique experiences, values and beliefs to their governance role.

As the only African-American male superintendent in Oregon, I am working intentionally to build a culturally responsive school board that’s committed to addressing issues of equity, diversity and inclusion. We serve together in an increasingly diverse district of 6,100 students, where 57 percent are students of color and many recently have been dis-placed by urban gentrification.

With these changing demographics, the disproportionate disciplinary and graduation rates impact students of color. That must change.