Washtenaw Superintendents’ Association Issues Statement on the Outcome of the Derek Chauvin Trial

Following the verdict of the Derek Chauvin trial, the Washtenaw Superintendents’ Association is sharing the following message with our school community. WSA represents the superintendents of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District and the nine public school districts in Washtenaw County: Ann Arbor Public Schools, Chelsea School District, Dexter Community Schools, Lincoln Consolidated Schools, Manchester Community Schools, Milan Area Schools, Saline Area Schools, Whitmore Lake Public Schools and Ypsilanti Community Schools. Their statement reads: 

“On Tuesday evening, the jury reached a verdict in the George Floyd murder trial, finding Derek Chauvin guilty. For the Floyd family, nothing will bring back George, but we hope that accountability gives them some sense of peace and closure, as everyone deserves.  

Our work to create a more racially equitable future continues. Communities of color continue to hurt, and while this is one instance of justice, it is far too elusive for too many who still feel the pressures of injustice. As National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman said, “A reminder that victory would be George Floyd being alive. Every day Black Americans worry if they will be next is another day without justice.” While we know many dedicated officers would never commit such heinous acts, we recognize that the systems we currently have in place do not always live up to their ideals and that without change, the Derek Chauvins of the world will continue to do harm. We are grateful for local efforts by the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments to work with community members and address the design of socially just policies, practices and professional learning within their systems. 

We believe we are each accountable for making our world a better place, and each of our systems have work to do to be more equitable, inclusive, and socially just – including education. As education leaders, we hold ourselves accountable to transforming a public school system where every child feels like they and their family belong and where they can learn and flourish. We ask that our communities join us in remaining committed to a more equitable and just future.” 

Community Message-April 20
 

Dear Lincoln Community,

As you know Michigan continues to have the highest COVID cases in the nation. While we are optimistic that those numbers will soon decline, and we have started to see a decrease in the number of new cases being reported, we have made the decision to remain in the current cohort model for an additional week until May 3. There will be no change to the current Model Elementary schedule. We feel this is the safest approach while we monitor the cases and make sure they continue to decline before bringing more students back onto campus for in-person learning.  

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility during these challenging times. We will continue to communicate our plans for moving forward for this school year. Together we can and we will.

Sincerely,

Robert Jansen
Superintendent

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WSA Statement in Support of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Communities

Washtenaw Superintendents’ Association Statement in Support of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Communities 

Washtenaw County, Mich. - With the rise of attacks on Asian Americans and after the murder of eight people in Atlanta, including six Asian American women, by a white male shooter, the Washtenaw Superintendents’ Association is issuing the following statement condemning these acts of racism and standing in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities both locally and nationally. WSA represents the superintendents of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District and the nine public school districts in Washtenaw County: Ann Arbor Public Schools, Chelsea School District, Dexter Community Schools, Lincoln Consolidated Schools, Manchester Community Schools, Milan Area Schools, Saline Area Schools, Whitmore Lake Public Schools and Ypsilanti Community Schools. Their statement reads: 

As leaders of the nine traditional school districts and the Washtenaw ISD, we stand together to offer our support and solidarity to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and call for the end of terrorizing communities of color in our country. As long as racism plagues our schools and our country, we will not be silent. 

As educators, we believe it is our responsibility to shine a light on the anti-Asian violence perpetuated and sustained by policies, practices and beliefs throughout history in our country: The Chinese Exclusion Act, U.S. occupation of the Philippines, Japanese internment camps, and more. Although our history is stained by racist violence, our future does not have to be. 

It deeply concerns us that our students may not feel safe, loved or valued in our community simply because of the color of their skin. We want our students to know, and especially our Asian students, that we see you. We value you. You are important to us, and everything you are and will become makes our community richer. 

As superintendents of the public schools in Washtenaw County, we will not waver. We stand firm today with the same commitment we made last year: We commit to anti-racist leadership and fostering inclusive educational environments where each person, students and staff, feels a sense of belonging and is treated with dignity and respect. 

We want to be clear that racism and hate have no home in our schools or in our communities. Our diversity is what makes us stronger, and we call on our community to stand with us as we foster a future that honors and embraces all of our diverse perspectives and experiences.