OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The demographics of the Oshkosh School District student body have changed dramatically. To better serve students, the district is adding a new administrative role.
“Director of diversity, equity and inclusion,” Superintendent Bryan Davis said. “It’s a great opportunity for our to be able to district to grow.”
The salary will range from $120,000 to $140,000 per year. The cost will be worked into the district’s next budget.
Davis said the position will have several responsibilities.
“Some of it is professional development for our staff-teaching staff, administrators, paraprofessionals,” Davis said. “Review policies, also looking at our diversity in our recruiting strategies.”
The city’s school board unanimously approved the position last Wednesday. Some board members expressed concern for the cost but, ultimately, decided it was necessary to address education gaps.
“No black students took AP courses in 21-22 school year. We can all sit here and agree that that’s terrible,” Karns said.
Between 2010 and 2020, the city saw a 70.3% increase in its Black population. Additionally, the city saw a rise of over 200% in biracial residents. Board member Beth Wyman believes the position will help attract students in those groups.
“What’s the opportunity cost of not doing this? If we get 15 more students enrolled in Oshkosh because people do feel more comfortable in our school district with our plan, we’ve made up our $140,000 at $9,000 a student,” Wyman said.
Davis said nothing specifically prompted the decision.
“Not any one particular issue or anything that’s coming up — but mostly making sure again that we can serve our community’s needs as we continue to look at our academic achievement, our behavior records, that type of thing,” Davis said.
Instead, it was to identify and start addressing an area of improvement.
“Just to make sure that we can be the most inclusive safe we possibly can for our students and our families,” Davis said.
Neenah, Fond du Lac, Green Bay and Appleton have all recently incorporated diversity, equity and inclusion leadership positions.
The posting is open now. The district hopes to have the position start by July 1.
