Board hears equity advisory restructure, new cultural competency framework and UVA research partnership

During a work session the Albemarle County school board heard multiple informational presentations on equity structures, cultural competency, and an ongoing research-practice partnership with the University of Virginia.

Ayanna Mitchell, director of equity education, proposed restructuring the Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee (EDAC) to strengthen representation, streamline communication across existing advisory groups, and move from monthly to quarterly meetings with clear goals, mid-year analysis, and year-end deliverables for the board. She said the restructuring is intended to surface consistent recommendations rather than maintain isolated, ad-hoc input.

Mitchell also presented a revised cultural competency framework aligned with Virginia Department of Education competencies (self-reflection, instructional practice, learning environments and community engagement). The proposal separates role-based indicators for educators, leaders and operations/technology staff and recommends a three-stage professional learning pathway (foundational onboarding, applied learning, sustained certification) that can be mapped to the state’s two-year training cadence and to licensing renewal requirements.

Representatives from the University of Virginia (Dr. Nina Skunover, Dr. Russell Carlock and Dr. Asha Merlin) summarized the district’s Research-Practice Partnership (RPP) work: a community advisory board, data sharing agreements, IRB approval for research involving students and funded projects (including Star Hill Pathways), and current projects on career pathways, algebra in middle school, and dual-enrollment outcomes. The presenters urged the board to identify three to five annual research priorities tied to the strategic plan and budget cycle so UVA and district partners can propose studies that return actionable findings on a timeline aligned to decision points.

Students participating in the Star Hill Pathways partnership joined breakout discussions and recommended interview-based and student-led methods to ensure authentic student voice in research. Board members emphasized the need for timely, usable research that can inform budgeting and program choices and for better mechanisms to demonstrate to the community that the district has listened and acted on feedback.

No votes were taken on the EDAC or cultural-competency proposals; both were informational items that will return to the board for action.