West Orange is an incredibly diverse town, and the demographics of our school system reflect that. This is one of the town’s great assets, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who chose to live in West Orange because of its diversity.
At the same time, that diversity can put a spotlight on problems if you don’t properly focus on inclusion and equity. We must be intentional about building a system that is inclusive – where all students and families can fully participate in what the schools have to offer. We must also be vigilant about ensuring equity – so that all students have the resources that they need to succeed.
The district has made great strides in some areas. For example, it should be commended for the way that district communications are routinely shared in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. Over 20% of the student body have a home language other than English, and if communications were only available in English many of their families would face barriers to participation in the school system.
But in other areas, there is much work to be done.
Take, for example, the demographics of the staff. They are not at all representative of the student body. While less than 20% of students in the district are white, almost 80% of staff are white. The vast majority of students who identify as Black or Hispanic see relatively few teachers that look like them. [See the NJ School Performance Report for this data.]
This isn’t just an issue of representation and role models. It has other impacts on the education of these students. Research shows that similar Black students are less likely than White students to be selected for gifted and talented programs – unless they have a Black teacher. Then, the effect disappears and they are effectively treated equally.
The problem exists beyond West Orange, but it matters here more than in most districts. We must do better at hiring and retaining educators of color. It is an essential part of creating an inclusive school system.
As another example, consider how demographics vary across different elementary schools in the district. The UCLA Civil Rights Project did a study on school segregation in New Jersey, and you probably wouldn’t be surprised to hear that the schools in East Orange and Irvington are considered segregated.
But you might be surprised to hear that two elementary schools in West Orange fit their criteria for intensely segregated schools.
When you look at the demographics of Washington and Hazel Elementary schools, they are set apart from the rest of the district. They have far fewer White students, and far more students of color. They have far more students who receive free and reduced lunch, as well as students who are English language learners.
In part this is a product of history and geography, and by itself it’s not necessarily a bad thing. But it should raise a red flag and make you wonder – are students in these schools getting everything that they need to succeed?
Asking that question at every turn is a crucial part of making sure that our school system is equitable.