FITCHBURG — The School District is conducting an internal equity audit to address potential racial inequity in the school system, and officials are asking for input from parents and students to help guide them.
Last month, the district announced the audit was being performed by Inclusivity Education to assure that everyone in the community feels valued.
The results of the audit will be shared with the public this fall.
According to a post on the district’s Facebook page, the goal of the audit is to grow as an organization and become more responsive to the community.
“We are intentionally reviewing our practices in a commitment to promote diversity, belonging, inclusion, and equity in a way that you will be able to observe and believe in,” read the post. “We know this is a long journey, but we will stay the course.”
Additionally, the school department has engaged professional development and strategy organization Dig Deep for Equity to provide equity consulting to its leadership team, staff and the school committee.
This summer, the district will survey staff and parents for feedback to create a more-inclusive, belonging and diverse environment.
A survey was sent out to families last weekend for students to complete. It can be found on the Fitchburg Public School Facebook page and must be completed by July 24.
The survey includes 30 multiple choice or rating based questions, and should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.
Students will be asked a range of questions about race or ethnicity, including whether they feel the race or ethnic group they identify with feels welcome or comfortable in school. Other areas addressed include racial stereotyping, negative treatment, school policy and participation.
Superintendent Robert Jokela said the decision to conduct the audit was made earlier this year, adding that the district wanted to be proactive with the situation. The collaboration with Dig Deep was officially approved in May.
The audit does comes after of countrywide protests over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for more than 8 minutes on May 25.
While not a direct result of the event, the audit aims to address racial inequity highlighted by the tragedy.
Mayor Stephen DiNatale and Jokela addressed the community with a joint statement on June 17, condemning Floyd’s murder and promising action in city schools.
“We have reached a point in America that we must address racism, unjust systems and practices, with the goal of a more equitable society,” read the statement.
“We are also committed to every student and family being equally seen and heard. We want to create lifelong learners and critical thinkers who will ask questions, listen thoughtfully, and work towards creating solutions to society’s injustices.”
