The Court praised the Board on meaningfully increasing the number of Black certified administrators in its central office. The Court also determined the Board has not systemically discriminated against Black applicants on the basis of race in teacher hiring.
Based on the district’s progress, the Court is relieving the Board of its reporting requirements and lessening oversight for the Fall 2023 semester in these areas.
“This Court order symbolizes progress and affirms the Court’s trust in the work we are doing together on our journey to excellence,” said HCS Superintendent Dr. Clarence Sutton.
As part of the order, the Court granted a motion to approve the Board’s proposed facilities additions at Hampton Cove Middle School and Goldsmith-Schiffman Elementary School. The Board is currently planning to introduce a new districtwide capital plan in the coming months.
The Court originally scheduled a hearing for Sept. 19, 2023 to discuss the district’s hiring practices and diversity efforts. However, the court deemed it unnecessary to engage in the meeting at this time to ensure efficient use of resources.
The U.S. Department of Justice and the Board will meet to discuss Green factors the Board may have satisfied or are near satisfaction before February 1, 2024.