Student 'cadre' presents state-of-diversity address, urges continued board and community engagement

Peter Ferguson, the district multicultural coordinator, introduced the Lincoln Public Schools District Scholar Equity Cadre at the board's May 12 meeting and turned the program over to student leaders to present an abridged "state of diversity" address.

Student speakers described the cadre's work to build belonging and early-literacy supports across the district. A senior from Southeast High School (Dorian, speaker 11) opened by acknowledging Native peoples living in Lincoln and said the cadre "build(s) connection through purpose." Other student speakers described the cadre's family literacy programs, story time at early childhood sites and libraries, partnerships with Franklin Covey for leadership development and the Food Bank of Lincoln for program feedback. One student said cadre story time inspired a peer to change their college major to early childhood education.

Students discussed efforts to broaden representation within the cadre (including neurodivergent students and a wider set of schools) and described a new, more inclusive selection process intended to produce a cadre that reflects the district. Cadre members tied their work to the LPS 2024–2029 strategic plan's family and community engagement priorities and urged district leaders to "connect and create spaces for ongoing dialogue so our voices help shape decisions."

Board members praised the presentation and thanked students and adult supporters. Peter Ferguson and several adult advisors were identified as district staff supporting the cadre; the board recorded appreciation and encouraged continued partnership between students, schools and community organizations.