Maria Langston
MRH Board of Education
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*** P R E S S R E L E A S E S ***
August 8 , 2019
Resolution
Educational Equity and Social Justice
WHEREAS, the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District (MRH) is known throughout
St. Louis, the State of Missouri, and beyond, as a shining example of inclusiveness and
diversity.
WHEREAS, the mission of MRH is to “inspire and prepare students as leaders, scholars,
stewards, and citizens for a diverse and changing world.”
WHEREAS, we continue to be mindful of our rich history as it affects our institutional viability
and vitality.
WHEREAS, we recognize that public education can both enhance individuals and strengthen
communities.
WHEREAS, we believe in fostering equity, inclusion, tolerance, dignity, and equal rights for ALL
students, staff, families, and community members.
WHEREAS, we believe that ALL people – regardless of their race, color, religion, sex,national
origin, ancestry, disability, age, sexual orientation and/or perceived sexual orientation, gender
identity, socioeconomic status, or any other individual characteristic – deserve to be respected
and appreciated.
WHEREAS, we seek to overcome the social, cultural, and educational barriers that members of
our diverse population may experience through advocacy, community engagement, and
professional development.
WHEREAS, we believe we must directly confront issues of diversity and social justice in order to
alleviate the inequitable practices and outcomes these issues spawn.
WHEREAS, we believe by working together we can create a better life for each other
and ourselves.
Therefore BE IT RESOLVED, the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District Board of
Education on this 16th day of February 2017 will continue to vigorously support ALL of our
students, staff, families, and community members, and continue to enrich the lives of children
and provide the foundation for their many future successes in life.
Maria Langston ... Working for our Children
Now is a moment of enormous opportunity and great challenges for the MRH School District. Quality education is the key ingredient for personal and community success. We have a responsibility and we must work together as a community to build and continue to retain the trust we have built in our schools as we focus on the future of our children and their successes.
MRH is a unique school district with diverse learners and extraordinary teachers. At MRH, they do more than teach students, they help us raise our children. In my heart, I truly believe putting our children first and that EVERY child has to be nurtured and given the chance to blossom. Teachers need our help to make this happen. Now, more than ever, our community must come together to support our teachers in helping our children reach their greatest potential.
We face challenging times as the landscape of public education is changing. We face tight budgets, stronger assessment standards, crowded classrooms and growing poverty.
As a School Board Member, I pledge, working together...
- We will always stand up for our kids.
- We will make decisions that make sense.
- We will always be accessible and will listen to all constituents.
- We will continue to seek equitable ways to improve our school district.
- We will continue to invite and encourage more families, big and small, to become involved with our school district.
- We will continue to ensure that our school district operates efficiently and cost effectively.
- We will continue to serve as a problem-solver, facilitator and catalyst for constructive improvements and accountability to our communities.
Additionally, I believe that engaged involvement from all MRH School Board members, parents, teachers, students and community leaders is essential to the continued success of our school district.
There is reason for hope.
Before anyone can criticize public education, he or she needs to spend an afternoon in a classroom of eighth graders. It's time to rise up and advocate for public education and what is best for the MRH School District. As a member of the MRH Board of Education, this is my pledge to our children and our community.