Some members of the Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors want to explore a proposal to intentionally diversify the school staff and administration.
During Monday’s meeting, member Donna Harrison asked the administration if it has followed up with Pathways to Racial Justice members Joanne Nicholson, Sharon Kaya, Janet Riggs and Nancy Lilley, who spoke to the board in January and February on behalf of Pathways to Racial Justice. Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Matzner said they had not, and several others supported Harrison in wanting more action.
Lilley told the board in February that diversity amongst educators strengthens learning and broadens perspectives. She specifically suggested that more African American and Hispanic staff members be added to the staff.
“The success of our children depends on their ability to effectively deal with the rapidly changing, multi-racial and multi-cultural world in a way that facilitates success and happiness,” Lilley said. “All students need many different positive role models to help mentor their hopes and dreams and prepare them to succeed in a global environment.”
Kaya said Pathways to Racial Justice wants Gettysburg to continue recruiting highly-qualified staff members.
“We are not asking the district to make concessions by lowering or altering teaching standards for the candidates,” Kaya said. “We are asking that the district seek out qualified candidates who are of African and Hispanic descent.”
Board member Ryan Kerney said Monday he has been examining the issue and would like to explore a “grow your own” model that targets current recruiting alumni and current students.
“If the goal is to have teachers that reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of our students, then that is kind of a path of less resistance in terms of not having to recruit from far and wide,” Kerney said.
Board member Kathleen Pratt agreed, saying the board has an opportunity be responsive to the community’s needs.
The board ended the meeting without clear action items on the issue.
