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Fayette Superintendent Candidates Weigh In On Diversity Initiatives

Fayette County Public Schools

The remaining three of five finalists for Fayette County superintendent were quizzed Thursday night on issues surrounding the pandemic, equity, and closing learning gaps.

The candidates laid out their roadmaps for how to achieve success in the county as part of a series of online Q&As, with each repeatedly returning to the topic of more inclusive curricula and school environments.

Speaking from Texas, Ohio, and Nevada, each explained how they've addressed the issue in their districts — and what steps they would take in Lexington.

"I really want us to do a detailed audit of what's in front of our kids, but I also think that it's important to have a long-range plan for training our teachers in cultural diversity and sensitivity to our students," Angela Dominguez, assistant superintendent of academic services in Edgewood Independent School District in San Antonio, told listeners.

"I think we have to be honest about our history, be it good or bad," Columbus superintendent Dr. Melvin Brown observed. "That's essential to the process."

Chief of staff for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas Dr. Christopher Bernier echoed those sentiments, touching on the experience of making a personal connection with historical figures.

"When students see themselves replicated in the examples used in a classroom, they begin to realize that they have a culture and a history greater than what may be put in a U.S. history textbook," he said.

The finalists all took part in hour-long forums this week, which are available to watch on the district's YouTube channel.

All five candidates are scheduled to make in-person trips to the commonwealth on June 2.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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