Equity Audit

Why an Equity Audit

The equity audit is a comprehensive review of policies and practices to ensure every student feels that they belong at Cheney Public Schools and has the chance for excellent whole-person educational outcomes in our schools. The work of the Equity audit is in continuity with the district mission statement and guided by the shared values of the district.

The Equity Audit is being overseen by the District Equity Committee. The committee was established in 2020 and is comprised of faculty, staff, district administrators.

Equity Committee Members: Emma Noble, Laura Roelle, Devon Simpson, Josh Bozich, Sherry Syrie, Ashley Krueger, Aleisha Larsen, Courtnie Mirabelli, Brooklyn Nelson, Erica Horn, Janet Shannon, Sarah Alvick, and Tonya Leija

Equity Statement

Cheney Public Schools exists to guarantee a safe and caring environment where ALL students learn at high levels and graduate with options for post-secondary education, careers, and civic engagement. As our community evolves and demographics change, we are charged with reshaping our practices to best meet the needs of our students and families we serve. As we work toward accomplishing our mission, we pledge as a school district to question, grow, and evolve in our understanding of diversity and what it means to be culturally competent.

Goals of the Audit

Establish areas of success and areas of need in our district-wide policies, resources, and learning environments.
Learn directly from students and families about their experiences in our district
Develop a comprehensive report and Theory of Action to share with district leadership to inform strategic priorities

Equity Survey

Cheney Public Schools has an opportunity to learn more specifically about ways our school district can see, value, and establish an experience of belonging with each one of our students and staff. To help us learn more about how we are doing with those efforts, we are completing a district-wide equity audit. Part of that audit process includes an equity and inclusion survey that we will share with all secondary students, district staff, and families.

The survey is anonymous and voluntary. We appreciate your honest feedback.

Our district equity committee will analyze the results of this survey, along with our other surveys and audit findings, and share with our district leadership to help inform and establish our district strategic priorities. Your input is important information for our consideration!

If you are a student and would like a link to the student survey please contact Kelly Niccolls [email protected]

Equity Survey Frequently Asked Questions

Is the equity audit about Critical Race Theory?

No, the district is not pursuing or implementing Critical Race Theory in district policies or curriculum. More information about the district and Critical Race Theory can be found here.

Is the Cheney School District taking sides in national debates about equity?

No, the focus of this survey is to empower the Airway Heights, Cheney and West Plains communities to participate and shape the equity policy in our schools.

How will the survey data be used?

Survey data will be summarized and shared as part of our comprehensive report.

How will the data be shared with the community?

The comprehensive report that includes survey summaries will be shared with the public.

Why are questions asked about race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, etc.?

Our hope is to understand and better serve all students and families. Our goal is to prioritize student safety, access and belonging. We want every student and family to feel welcome.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kelly Niccolls: [email protected]