This document summarizes the key events and lessons learned from efforts to increase equity and achievement in a school district. It discusses community and parent responses to changes to school boundaries and models. It notes that the loudest voices are not the only ones that should be heard. The document reflects on who provided support and insight during challenging times, and what was learned, including the importance of hope, advocacy, and never quitting in the pursuit of equity.

1. Utilize Capacity and Increase Achievement
You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do
so. For remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind.
Robert Louis Stevenson
You cannot run away from weakness; you
must some time fight it out or perish; and if
that be so, why not now, and where you
stand?
Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If
you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and
get busy.

2. What we knew then…

3. The data…

4. The results…Gaps leaving…2011

6. What some people in the
community thought
about leadership in the
district…

7. Dancing Guy Leader
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW8am
MCVAJQ&feature=email

8. But what was really true…

9. “The Closer you get
to equity the rules
begin to change.”

10. So what happened?

11. Community Response-2010
 Ruby Bridges
Protests
 Racial Integration
 Eden Prairie
Protests
 Economic
Integration
I am glad that the loudest voices are NOT the only ones heard. Thank you
for the opportunity to speak in SUPPORT of the K-6 model and the new
boundary map.

12. Parent Response

14. The Vote…. 4 in favor 3 against

15. Eden Prairie Superintendent and Board Agree to
Separation Agreement.
Eden Prairie School Chief Leaves Sept. 2011

16. Who to turn to for
support and insight?

17. Gayla Reger-1984

18. Helen and Champ-2002

19. Barbara Sanderson-2003

20. Glenn Singleton-2005

21. Eric Cooper-2006

22. The people…Ahmed Jama-
2011

23. What was learned…
 It’s never about you…. (me)
 Never take things personally
 Never read the blogs or comments--good or bad
 Always have hope
 Show up—to be a part of something bigger than myself
 Speak publicly and advocate
 Accept support no matter what form. Without Judgment
 The fight is worth it. The challenge will make us stronger and
our convictions deeper.
 My own privileges can be used to support others.
 NEVER Quit, never ever, Quit.

24. To keep our faces toward change, and
behave like free spirits in the presence
of fate, is strength undefeatable.
Helen Keller …

25. Leading should always
be, “An Act of Love”.

26. Eleanor Roosevelt- 1937
No one can
make you feel
inferior
without your
consent.
Eleanor
Roosevelt, 'Th
is Is My
Story,' 1937