We have come to the end of another school year, one that was somewhat more “normal” than what we have experienced since March 2020, but still required educational leaders to navigate the continued challenges of COVID-19, societal issues that infiltrated their way into schools, key staffing shortages, a considerable shortage of bus drivers and ever-changing education reforms. These challenges have led many of us to declare that they are distracting us from the most important work, which is serving students.

Dr. Mary Mcleoud Bethune once stated, “We have a powerful potential in our youth and we must be willing to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.”

ACSA, we must relentlessly, unwaveringly and unapologetically work to combat oppression, implicit biases and other barriers that continue to plague the academic and social emotional growth of students. ACSA, we have work to do.

Our students cannot afford to wait until our system is ready to have critical conversations about equity and student safety. Failure to discuss equity will only reinforce racial stereotypes and bigotry. And, by not prioritizing the safety of our children, specifically around gun responsibility, many students and staff could be susceptible to other school shootings.