“People are really passionately committed to addressing these issues,” Superintendent Kent Pekel said. "Every student feeling safe, and that they belong in our schools, is a foundation to learning.”
One of the first assignments given to Superintendent Kent Pekel by the School Board, the completion of the strategic plan is a milestone for the district leader.
"This is the moment, right here," said Will Ruffin II, RPS director of diversity, equity and inclusion. "How we respond will let us know who we are as a district."
The tradition began in 2020 when a Century teacher wanted to let students know the staff still cared for them in spite of the pandemic and the disruption to schools.