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    Erie's Public Schools' Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion aims to strengthen and improve our district by focusing on diversifying the district's instructional and non-instructional staff. This will help ensure equitable treatment and opportunities for all students by providing resources and support that both students and staff need to succeed, and ensuring that all students, staff and parents feel safe, welcomed and accepted. 

    What is DEI?

    Diversity refers to differences among individuals (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status); equity refers to fair (but not necessarily equal) treatment regardless of one’s starting point in life; and inclusion refers to actions that foster feelings of being welcomed, respected, and valued.
     
    Graphic with text: Diversity is having a seat at the table. Inclusion is having a voice. Belonging is having that voice be he
     
     
    Erie's Public Schools is a PBIS district. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based three-tiered framework to improve and integrate all of the data, systems, and practices affecting student outcomes every day. PBIS creates schools where all students succeed. Click here to learn more about PBIS.
     
     
    Vision Statement:
    Fostering equity for justice
     
    Mission Statement:
    • Emphasis on culturally responsive instruction and learning 
    • Ensure fair and equitable distribution of resources
    • Recruiting, developing and retaining culturally competent candidates
    • Maintaining a safe and inclusive educational environment
    • Creating effective behavior systems that support equitable teaching and learning for all

     

    Department Responsibilities:

    • Achievement Gap - promote and engage school community with courageous conversations about race, bias and cultural relevance
    • Community Center liaison
    • Diversity Employee Recruitment and Retention
    • District Coordinator for Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)
    • Equity Officer
    • Student Assistance Program (SAP) crosswalks with PBIS
    • Social Emotional Learning (SEL) crosswalks with PBIS
    • Restorative Practices crosswalks with PBIS
    • Family engagement

     

    Areas of Focus:

    • Examine data and best practices, both internally and with peer school districts
    • Review district policies with an equity lens
    • Assess and recommend consistent policies regarding diversity, equity and inclusion 
    • Assess and highlight best practices for embedding equity into curriculum and practice
    • Highlight and award community members, students or staff who are doing exceptional work in these efforts
    • Provide engaging partnerships with the community
    • Assess strategy for staff recruiting, hiring and on-boarding/retention through an equity lens
     
     
     
    Contact:
    Coordinator of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Erie's Public Schools
    Ken Nickson, Jr.
    (814) 874-6033