Equity Work
PPS made a public commitment to equity in 2016. Since then, we have launched and evolved a number of initiatives including:
- Equity focused professional development for leaders (2016-current)
- Creation of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion staff position (2017)
- Cultural Responsiveness Work Group: defined district equity literacy plan (2017-18)
- Meetings between Indigenous leaders, from nations within the Wabanaki Confederacy and PPS, leading to PPS Wabanaki Studies creation. (2017- Current)
- Equity Leaders Cohort launched (2018- Current)
- PPS Equity Hiring Toolkit launched in 2019, and ongoing.
- Educators of Color Insights Report (2020-21)
- Commitment to Equity in current strategic plan (adopted by Board of Education June 2024)
What Equity Looks Like in Practice
Equity in Teaching & Learning
Culturally and linguistically responsive instruction, inclusive curriculum, Wabanaki and Black American Studies integration, and supports for multilingual learners.
Equity in Staff Experience
Building a strong, inclusive staff culture where employees are valued, affirmed, and supported. This includes community circles, districtwide listening, equity-focused leadership development, and transparent evaluation systems.
Equity in Systems & Policies
Reviewing hiring, assignment, evaluation, discipline, and communication systems to identify and remove inequities.
Community Circles for Belonging & Connection
Community Circles are voluntary, identity-affirming spaces that provide connection, reflection, and peer support. Circles currently include:
- BIPOC staff
- LGBTQ+ staff
- Staff from multilingual backgrounds
- Early-career educators
- Veterans/long-tenured staff
Additional circles form based on interest and expressed need.
Learn More or Join a Community Circle