All In for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t buzzwords. They are a necessity and a right.

Right now, the barriers to Collingswood achieving its DEI goals are structural, meaning how our schools are built and who they are designed to serve. Here are some examples of structural barriers to education equity in our school district, and how the All In for Collingswood bond referendum can help:

Collingswood’s elementary school buildings are some of the oldest in the country, exceeding the average lifespan of a U.S. public school. Our oldest, Sharp Elementary, will celebrate its 120th birthday in 2025. However, this long history means that all of our elementary schools were built before the Americans with Disabilities Act. Currently, only one elementary school is fully ADA-compliant, and our district’s inclusion rate is lower than the state average. Voting yes on the referendum will allow us to upgrade all elementary buildings to better accommodate students with disabilities.

In February 2024, the Collingswood/Oaklyn Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) gave a presentation to our school board about school inclusion, which is defined as the amount of time a student with a disability spends each day in a general education setting.

How Inclusive Are Collingswood Schools?
*To be considered inclusive, a school must have an 80% inclusion rate.*
The 2022 inclusion rate for U.S. schools was 66%
The 2022 inclusion rate for New Jersey schools was 45%
The 2022 inclusion rate for Collingswood schools was 41%

Neighborhood schools often reflect the demographics of their surroundings. Historically, that has meant that schools in wealthier neighborhoods are better funded. It also means that neighborhood schools are more likely to be racially segregated. New Jersey has some of the highest school segregation rates in the country, and the number is growing. Right now, the district has two elementary schools, less than 2 miles apart, and one is 60% students of color while the other is 20% students of color. Voting yes on the referendum will allow each elementary school to reflect Collingswood's diverse population, creating a culture of appreciation and respect before students enter middle school.

With so many small elementary schools, we can't provide the resources that all of our students need. Collingswood’s educational resources for English language learners and children with learning differences are limited to single elementary schools. Voting yes on the referendum will allow resources to be equitably spread throughout the district, giving students better access to academic and social opportunities.

Facilities

Academics