As the superintendent commission chair of the National Alliance of Black School Educators and as a member of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, two dynamic organizations dedicated to promoting educational equity for all students, particularly those from historically marginalized backgrounds, I had the privilege of joining other superintendents across the country for the NABSE/ALAS March on Washington in the spring.
Our dialogue with Jessica Cardichon, special assistant to President Joe Biden for education and other White House officials, including aides to Vice President Kamala Harris, spotlighted critical issues impacting our schools: the need for equitable school funding, challenges to IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging) initiatives, and the increasing demands for mental health support. Our unified efforts are crucial to advocating for transformative changes that will foster a more equitable education system.
Power of collective advocacy
The partnership between NABSE and ALAS amplifies our advocacy capabilities by pooling resources and expertise. This collaboration is essential for addressing systemic issues effectively. Through Zoom meetings and joint initiatives beyond the March on Washington, we can strategize, network and find practical solutions to complex challenges. By presenting a unified front, we strengthen our ability to advocate for policies that benefit all students and leverage our collective knowledge to drive meaningful reforms in the following areas:
Addressing School Funding Disparities
A central theme during the March on Washington and in our discussions since then is the critical need for equitable school funding. Often, the impact of funding disparities—particularly in rural and high-poverty areas—is underestimated. The districts in these areas face unique financial challenges:
- Increased operational costs: Schools in underserved areas manage higher costs related to outdated infrastructure, transportation and utilities. Limited budgets strain their ability to provide essential services and resources, including technology and instructional materials.
- Recruitment and retention: Funding disparities affect the ability to recruit and retain qualified educators. Schools in underfunded districts struggle to provide competitive salaries and benefits, leading to high turnover rates and staffing shortages, particularly in special education and mental health services. My district, serving 26% students with special needs, faces growing demands for specialized services.
- Access to basic resources: Adequate funding is crucial for meeting basic needs such as food, clothing and technology. This is particularly important in districts with high numbers of immigrant students, where addressing these needs supports student success.
Supporting IDEA and DEIB initiatives
Addressing challenges related to IDEA and DEIB is vital for ensuring all students receive appropriate support:
- IDEA: Effective implementation of IDEA requires adequate funding for individualized instruction, specialized equipment and additional staff. Advocacy is necessary to meet IDEA requirements and ensure that students with disabilities receive quality education.
- DEIB: Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within schools is essential for fostering a supportive school culture. Defending DEIB initiatives is critical for ensuring all students feel valued and included.
Meeting the needs of ELLs and newcomers
English language learners and newcomers face unique challenges such as language barriers and cultural adjustments. Supporting these students involves providing specialized language instruction, cultural competence training for staff and family engagement resources. Effective orientation programs, academic and emotional support and integration initiatives are essential for helping newcomers succeed.
Addressing mental health needs
The rising mental health needs of students are increasingly concerning:
- Anxiety and depression: Many students experience elevated levels of anxiety and depression due to social, economic and academic pressures. Additional resources are needed for mental health support and counseling services.
- Shortage of providers: A significant shortage of qualified mental health professionals in schools impacts the ability to provide essential support.
- Unfunded mandates: Schools often face unfunded mandates at the state level that require additional resources without corresponding funding, exacerbating budget constraints and affecting mental health services.
Supporting effective recruitment and retention
Recruiting and retaining highly qualified educators is crucial for maintaining educational quality:
- Competitive compensation: Offering competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits and incentives for hard-to-fill positions is essential for attracting and retaining skilled teachers and administrators.
- Professional development: Investing in ongoing training and support for educators, including those entering through alternative routes, enhances their effectiveness and retention.
I recently met with superintendents in Arizona to delve more deeply into recruitment and retention challenges and those faced by administrators of color, such as difficulty in job transitions and the lack of a steady pipeline of qualified candidates. Suggestions for addressing these issues included partnering with HBCUs, recruiting from local universities and creating mentorship programs.
Addressing enrollment and attendance challenges
- Enrollment trends: Fluctuating student enrollment impacts school funding and resource allocation. Schools with declining enrollment may face budget cuts affecting their ability to provide services and maintain staffing.
- Attendance issues: High absenteeism rates can hinder student achievement and school performance. Addressing factors contributing to poor attendance is crucial for improving outcomes.
Building relationships and communication
Building strong relationships with school boards and stakeholders is vital for effective advocacy. Communicating effectively with stakeholders secures support for equitable resource allocation and policy changes, strengthening advocacy efforts.
Providing access to technology
Ensuring all students have the necessary technology is critical for success in a digital economy. Addressing technology access disparities and integrating digital tools into education are also keys.
The path forward
The March on Washington highlighted the need for ongoing advocacy and collaboration. By focusing on equitable funding, supporting IDEA and DEIB, addressing mental health needs, improving recruitment and retention and ensuring essential resources, NABSE and ALAS can drive meaningful reforms.
As administrators, find your like-minded groups and work together. Our collective strength and unity are key to creating a just and effective education system, ensuring every student can succeed in a supportive environment. Working together, we can bridge gaps, support all students and build a brighter future for our educational communities.
