The Buford City School System announced at their September Board of Education Meeting that a Diversity and Inclusion Program had been started. Ms. Lacrecia Smith is the program manager.
The North Gwinnett Voice contacted Ms. Smith to get the answers everyone has been seeking in regards to the program. Smith states that the purpose of the Diversity and Inclusion Program is to “bring awareness to the diverse and inclusive needs of the Buford City School System and our growing community.” Working with the central office, teachers, staff, students, and community to fulfill the program’s intended purpose.
There will be many aspects to the program. One aspect that the teachers and staff will be involved in will be to participate in professional learning sessions on the topic of diversity and inclusion. Staff will supervise discussions and activities for the students of Buford High School on the subject. The community will also be given a chance to participate by providing input and by supporting various activities and topics that will come up.
Ms. Smith is working extremely hard to come up with a strategic plan for the program that will take them into the next few years. As this program is in its infancy, many of the exact activities have yet to be released.
“We recognize this work will take time, but I feel confident that with intentional efforts, we will achieve our short and long-term goals of enhancing engagement of our growing, diverse community,” says Smith.
The staff of the Buford City School System is committed and prepared to do whatever needs to be done to make their students experience one that is inclusive and accepting of each other. “I am very optimistic about the future of Buford City Schools as we move forward to actively welcome, include and value all stakeholders and meet their unique needs.” Ms. Smith adds in closing.
