Equity Coalition
The SDP Equity Coalition is an organizational body representing every functional area of the district.
Our purpose is to provide the organizational leadership and structure needed to redesign a more equitable school district. This includes, but is not limited to, uprooting policies, deconstructing processes, and eradicating practices that create systems of privilege and power within our school communities and in our workplaces.
In this District-wide journey, we will begin with focusing our work around racial inequity and then use the developed tools, frameworks, and policies to address other forms of inequity.
For more information, please email us at equity@philasd.org
Our Core Objectives
The core objectives of the SDP Equity Coalition consist of, but are not limited to:
- Identifying and understanding our district’s current demographics (students, staff, families/communities) through a deep analysis of data and historical trends, with an equity lens.
- Providing the framework and structure for our district’s definition of equity in mission and vision.
- Creating an equity audit and subsequent action plan that highlights our short and long term commitments.
- Developing and refining policy for our district and community partners through an equity lens.
- Supporting the pursuit and practice of greater cultural awareness and proficiency throughout our organization.
- Embedding educational equity training into all levels of professional development.
- Engaging and collaborating with local and national organizations engaged in equity work.
Coalition Subcommittees
Subcommittees are designed to support specific focal areas of the Coalition, developing strategies and offering recommendations for Coalition initiatives. Please see an overview of our current subcommittees:
Project Management/Logistics Subcommittee Leads
Provides the structure and coordination of planning efforts for equity Coalition initiatives and subcommittee projects.
| Name | Role | School/Office | Subcommittee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Culbertson | Central Office support | Policy and Evidence-Based Support Office | Project Management/Logistics |
| Kyle Cephas | Central Office support | Office of Climate and Safety | Project Management/Logistics |
| DawnLynne Kacer | Central Office support | Opportunity Network, Chief of Schools Office | Project Management/Logistics |
| Daniel Merin | Central Office support | Office of School Climate and Safety | Project Management/Logistics |
Research and Systems Change/Policy Subcommittee Lead
Leads the Equity Coalition in understanding the latest research on systemic change as well as unpacking/writing/rewriting policy through an equity lens.
| Name | Role | School/Office | Subcommittee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chester Holland | Central Office support | Office of Data Governance | Research and Systems Change/Policy |
| Ciera Ellison | Central Office support | Office of student rights and responsibilities | Research and Systems Change/Policy |
| Jason W. Harris | Central Office support - Principal and Leadership Coach | Office of Leadership Development | Research and Systems Change/Policy |
Professional Learning/Resources Subcommittee Lead
Leads the development, coordination, and inventory of equity training initiatives and ongoing professional learning for the SDP community. The team will have a focus on training both internally and externally to the Equity Coalition.
| Name | Role | School/Office | Subcommittee |
|---|---|---|---|
| April Brown | Principal | L.W. Waring Elementary | Professional Learning Supports/Resources |
| Keith Pretlow | Teacher | Benjamin Franklin High School | Professional Learning Supports/Resources |
| Katie Pak | Central Office support | Policy and Evidence-Based Support Office | Professional Learning Supports/Resources |
| Alexandrea Henry | Teacher | Meade School | Professional Learning Supports/Resources |
External Partner relationships Subcommittee Lead
Provides guidance on local, national, and international partnership opportunities that will support the growth of equity within SDP.
| Name | Role | School/Office | Subcommittee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ami Patel Hopkins | Teacher | Science Leadership Academy Middle School | External Partner Relationships |
| Anjela Alvarado | Central Office support | Office of Strategic Partnerships | External Partner relationships |
| Barry Wilkins | Teacher | Strawberry Mansion High School | External Partner relationships |
Communication/Marketing Subcommittee Lead
Leads and provides structure and guidance on communication style, ADA compliance, and marketing strategies/techniques in support of Equity Coalition initiatives and subcommittee projects.
| Name | Role | School/Office | Subcommittee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryam Muhammad | Teacher | Lea, Henry C. | Communication/Marketing |
| Dara Savage | Climate Manager | Bridesburg School | Communication/Marketing |
| Kelsey Romano | Teacher | WB Saul High School | Communication/Marketing |
Calendar
Coming soon!