ANSWER:

The issues mentioned by the student that occurred at Sherwood High School happened in 2022.  As a result of those issues, the following actions were taken:

• Associate Superintendent, James Koutsos, led planning meetings, that included area directors, athletic director, equity specialists, and Einstein and Sherwood principals to determine messaging and next steps.
• The Department of Equity Initiatives facilitated Study Circles with athletic and student participants from Einstein and Sherwood.
• The Department of Equity Initiatives facilitated a session with athletic directors on #Raise values.
• The Department of Equity Initiatives facilitated a session with the athletics student leadership council on #Raise values and Speak Up protocol.
• The Department of Equity Initiatives facilitated 2-3 rounds of Study Circles with Sherwood’s Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) members and their students. The goal/outcome was to create a Principals advisory council (comprised of students) to support and sustain a positive school culture.
• After the Einstein/Sherwood Study Circle, the Department of Equity Initiatives facilitated an overview/debrief of the Study Circle, with Sherwood’s ILT, at the request of then-director, Chris Turk.

Dr. Anthony Alston, upon the request from this work session, met with the principal of Sherwood High School on Thursday, February 8, 2024, to discuss the progress of the racial equity work done at the school since 2022 and any additional supports the Department of Equity Initiatives can provide in this area as they continue their work.  This conversation will happen in conjunction with the School Support and Well-being director and in alignment with the School Improvement Plan goals.