HCPSSA Message from the Superintendent on Belonging
March 19th, 2025
The following was sent to the HCPSS community by HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes on March 19, 2025:
Recently, I introduced our school system’s new strategic plan, which serves as a clear roadmap so we may achieve our short- and long-term goals. The foundation of the plan was the establishment of shared values guided by students, staff, families and community members. One of the top seven values elevated through this process was belonging, or feeling socially connected, supported, and valued and experiencing appreciation, validation, and affirmation. A community where all people feel that sense of belonging is critical to the outcomes we hope to achieve for students. Sadly, not all people have always felt they belong in HCPSS.
When I was a student, school was one of the few spaces I felt welcomed and safe. It was because of the environment cultivated by teachers, staff and my peers that led me to become a professional educator. I always aimed to have that same positive impact for each of my students. I didn’t always succeed, and I often encountered societal forces that worked against what I was trying to achieve.
As superintendent, it is my hope that I may be able to impart that value of belonging to every person in the HCPSS community. This must be a true team effort, but I have several expectations for students, staff, family members, and every member of the community that partners with our system. I expect:
- All HCPSS spaces are safe, welcoming and inclusive for everyone,
- People are always treated with kindness and respect,
- Resources are readily available to support well-being, and
- Acts that work against belonging and inclusiveness are reported and responded to.
HCPSS will not tolerate acts of harassment, including acts of harassment based on a student’s actual or perceived race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics (e.g., antisemitism or Islamophobia). Language and acts of hate violate several Board of Education policies, including 1000 Civility; 1010 Anti-Discrimination; 1040 Safe and Supportive Schools; 9460 Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment, and Intimidation Involving Students; and 9020 Students’ Rights and Responsibilities that governs acceptable behavior.
When incidents are reported, school and system leaders assess the incident and impose appropriate consequences which may include various levels of student discipline, including suspension for the most egregious actions. I encourage any student who believes they have been subjected to harassment or a hostile environment based on race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, national origin, shared ancestry, or any other personal characteristic to report it or contact the HCPSS Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Please know that the school system is committed to addressing harassment toward students and staff.
Parents and guardians, please have conversations with your children about the severe detrimental impacts that harassment has on their peers and the consequences for using unacceptable language. Belonging takes a commitment by each of us to ensure every student staff member, and community member feel accepted into our spaces.
Thank you for being a valuable part of our community and helping us live up to the values shared by the HCPSS community.