Professional learning for school leaders focuses on equity work in education

School board members and superintendents from around the state gathered for a day of learning centered on the what, why, and how of equity issues in education.

The Equity Event, presented by the Illinois Association of School Boards, was offered exclusively to school board members and superintendents from IASB member districts at no charge. More than 200 participants from 80 districts registered for the April 28 event.

“Professional development and continuous learning are paramount to the mission of IASB,” said Roger Eddy, executive director for the Illinois Association of School Boards. “This event provided board members with a better understanding of what equity looks like in their district and the board’s responsibility to ensure equitable outcomes for children in the communities they serve.”

Heather Hackman, an expert in social justice issues, provided participants with a conceptual framework for equity and challenged them to view their work through an equity lens.

Several districts are doing this work, leading the way in establishing an equity lens.

“Everyday Equity” panelists included representatives from
Superintendent Theresa Rouse and Board President Jeffrey Pritz
(Joliet PSD 86), Superintendent Ed Condon and Board President
Ralph Martire (River Forest SD 90), and Superintendent Carmen
Ayala and Board President Adam Mounce (Berwyn North SD 98).

In one panel presentation, three Illinois districts talked about their equity journeys, including deliberate steps at the board level and policy implications. Panelists included Superintendent Theresa Rouse and Board President Jeffrey Pritz from Joliet PSD 86, Superintendent Ed Condon and Board President Ralph Martire fro m River Forest SD 90, and Superintendent Carmen Ayala and Board President Adam Mounce from Berwyn North SD 98.

In another panel, board presidents shared stories of leadership in equity issues and the impact equity work has had on their school systems. Consultant Corrie Wallace presented with two board presidents, Suni Kartha from Evanston/Skokie SD 65 and Pat Savage-Williams from Evanston THSD 202.

Afternoon panel featured board presidents Suni Kartha (Evanston/Skokie SD
65) and Pat Savage-Williams (Evanston THSD 202) with consultant Corrie Wallace.

Steve Pemberton, author of A Chance in the World, closed the day with his personal journey of perseverance and resilience, inspiring participants to be remembered for standing in the gap.
 

Board members from Lindop SD 92 posed with author Steve Pemberton.