INDIANAPOLIS — Superintendents serving school districts around central Indiana are addressing equity issues in schools.

Wednesday, the superintendents from Indianapolis Public Schools, Pike Township Schools, and the director of the racial equity office gathered for a panel. They talked about how diversity, equity, and inclusion help with the success of Black students. 

They say to improve that requires addressing disparities, mentoring, eliminating achievement gaps, and continuing to work on professional development in equitable learning.

“When we can address those systems for one group, for African Americans who are represented in the bottom in so many areas of our society, we know that everyone benefits from those kind of transitions, and those supports and so it really is about what do we do as a whole community to make sure everyone has the opportunity to thrive and grow,” said Aleesia Johnson, Superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools.

They are also working with community partners on racial equity training for Indianapolis Public Schools and forming an equity council for Pike Schools.

The panel says teachers, administrators, parents, students, and the community need to all work together to acknowledge and address racism and create equity and opportunity for all students.