A message from the Director of DEI
Welcome to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Department of District 428!
I am grateful you have visited our homepage and are interested in learning more about our mission and initiatives. The DEI Department is proudly entering its third year of existence. Our journey began in 2004, with a rejuvenation in 2016, sparked by a Needs Assessment that led to the creation of our inaugural DEI Plan, adopted in June 2018. In 2021, we updated and aligned our DEI Plan with the district's strategic priorities, setting the stage for creating this department, which launched in the 2022-2023 school year.
In District 428, we believe that equity resides at the core of what we do. We work to ensure that all students have access to a culturally responsive curriculum, can learn in environments supportive of their growth as community members as well as individuals, and are guided by educational professionals who see the diversity in our community as a strength. We believe that unconditional positive regard for our families is essential. Through collaboration with families and the broader community, all members will be affirmed in their identities and have a stake in our future.
The Board of Education, Superintendent, and staff commit to providing an equitable and inclusive education experience for all students by viewing student achievement, community engagement, financial stability, and securing human capital with an equity lens.
I am seeking partnerships to help us achieve the goals outlined in our DEI Plan, making District 428 a place where everyone feels valued and empowered to grow. I warmly invite community members, families, and students to contribute their unique perspectives and voices in our collaborative efforts. Join us by participating in one of our expanding Affinity Groups or District Administrative Committees, attending a Community Conversation event, or volunteering in our schools.
DeKalb’s Dynamic DEI Director
Amonaquenette Parker, Ed.S
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DEI Department Vision & Mission
Our vision is to develop and nurture a community that positively impacts students' lives. We provide resources that promote equal access and opportunity for all people while supporting each student to achieve their full potential. We advocate for policies that promote diversity and inclusion at the local, state, and national levels. We empower all members of our community and engage their voices and diverse perspectives in order to remove barriers that are caused by social injustice, systemic prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity.
Our mission is to provide an equitable and inclusive education that supports students holistically. We will embrace the rich perspectives and experiences that arise from racial, ethnic, socio-economic, ability, sexual orientation, gender expression, and religious diversity within our community. We will provide the tools our students need to thrive by partnering with families and supporting staff to meet the needs of each of our students. In this spirit, we are eager to serve our students and staff in the following capacities:
Developing Cultural Competence
Providing Equitable Access
Partnering with the Community
Promoting Equitable, Safe, and Unified Learning Environments