EQUITY COMMITTEE MEETING 10-15-26

The BCPS Equity Committee met virtually on October 15, 2026. Staff reported on equity supports planned for transportation, front-office secretaries, special education, and selected schools. Transportation leaders will receive monthly professional learning, and bus drivers will be offered paid training sessions on creating welcoming and inclusive environments. A retired BCPS equity specialist, Dr. Johnson, will provide front-office secretary training on a consultant basis. The committee discussed using climate survey data, pre/post-training measures, and community focus groups to assess results. No contract award, procurement approval, or vote was recorded; the transcript did not provide contract values or training costs.

Staff also presented PSAT/SAT participation and achievement data and described planned responses to identified gaps. BCPS will continue funding PSAT participation for 10th graders and SAT participation for 11th graders to reduce financial barriers; staff said PSAT funding had been reinstated after a budget cut. The committee discussed access to advanced coursework and targeted student supports, but took no spending-related vote. On political expression in the equity policy, staff shared research and relevant existing policies for consideration; the committee chair planned to coordinate with the policy committee on sharing the information with the full board. No policy change was adopted.