Seneca teacher’s plea to the county trustees

A Seneca teacher says her fellow blacks make up the largest minority within the student population of Oconee public schools yet, in her view, the district is not doing enough to promote equality and anti-bias.  In remarks delivered in public comment, middle school teacher Kimberly Alexis Shepard called for the county trustees to amend their strategic plan and mission statement to reflect how the district will strive for greater equity and inclusiveness.  Shepard made a point to register her disappointment with what she considers a missed opportunity by the board following the killing last year of George Floyd.  The teacher spoke for several minutes during last night’s meeting and thanked the trustees for hearing her.  In turn, she was thanked by Denise McCormick, board chairman, but there was no further comment from the board as is often typical following public comment speakers.