Equity

Equity in Walla Walla Public Schools begins by recognizing the diversity of our lived experiences and commits us to actions and attitudes that ensure a universal sense of belonging and the collective flourishing of our community.

• We see you.
• We value you.
• We listen to you.
• We believe in you.

You belong here.

This definition commits us to identifying and addressing barriers and unhealthy cultures so that student belonging, participation and achievement is maximized. Focusing our equity lens on belonging allows us to ensure our students’ educational experiences are fully realized, with careful and deliberate consideration to individual dignity, needs and circumstances.

Walla Walla Public Schools equity commitments:

• Standing up to injustice with school environments that are inclusive, respectful and tolerant, and confronting behaviors or actions by students, staff or guests that may be in conflict with these beliefs (see We All Belong Here and Building Belonging Recognition).  
• Ensuring a faculty and School Board that is both trained and implements culturally competent instructional environments and experiences (read about our Equitably Engaging Strategies for Everyone (EESE) Task Force)
  See also: Building Belonging Examples
• Teaching respect and acceptance through socially responsible learning curricula for students (see here for video)
• Intentionally broadening our equity outreach by creating a culture where all stakeholders have a seat, a voice and a responsibility for change (see Equity and Access Committee and the Superintendent Student Advisory Council) 
• Prioritizing the diversity of our workforce through recruitment, retention and “growing our own” strategies
• Intentionally addressing equity when making program, curriculum and resourcing decisions (e.g. #DiversifyOurNarrative and our Equity Analysis Protocol)
• Guaranteeing dignified and equitable family engagement that ensures resources, communication and outreach is provided in languages, materials and manners that maximize the school-to-home relationship 
• Removing all barriers that overtly or covertly inhibit student belonging, participation and prosperity in their academic, athletic/activity and beyond-high-school plans (See Center for Children and Families & Adopt-a-Blue Devil Program as two examples of these efforts)

Land Acknowledgement

Walla Walla Public Schools boundaries encompass a footprint located on the traditional Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla homelands. For more information about the rich history of our region, visit the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation website.

Contacts

Dr. Julie Perron
Director of Equity and Dual Programs
(509) 526-6789
jperron@wwps.org

Dr. Wade Smith
Superintendent of Schools
(509) 526-6715
wsmith@wwps.org