No More “Equity Theater”

TL;DR

This plan puts a scoreboard on “equity,” so Portland Public Schools can’t just say they care about underserved kids; they have to show real progress. Suppose the data say we’re failing certain groups. In that case, PPS must fund targeted fixes and hold leadership accountable — no more hand-waving.

1. What is this “No More Equity Theater” idea about?

It’s about forcing PPS to move beyond empty slogans and actually track whether historically ignored groups (such as Black, Native, Latino, homeless, or SPED students) are getting resources that help them succeed. Instead of “equity” as a buzzword, we measure who’s slipping, who needs the most support, and how well the district responds.

2. Why does this matter?

Portland loves to talk about being progressive, yet students of color, SPED students, and low-income families still face discipline disparities and high absentee rates. This policy ensures PPS doesn’t just brand itself as “equitable” — it backs that claim with transparent data on class access, discipline, and attendance. Local groups like NAACP Portland can serve as independent watchdogs, ensuring it’s not another PR exercise.

3. What does the policy propose in detail?

  • Annual “Equity & Opportunity Audit” that measures AP course access, club participation, discipline rates, SPED & ELL staffing, and more.

  • Quarterly equity audits by trusted, third-party organizations to keep the district honest.

  • Tie the superintendent’s job evaluation to these stats: they can’t hide if they fail.

4. What about the absenteeism angle?

The district will use monthly data dives, broken down by race, income, and disability, to identify which student groups have the highest chronic absences. Families with severely absent children will get targeted help, like microgrants for transportation or childcare. PPS will also fund culturally specific mentors so students can see role models who share their background.

5. How does this actually help a kid in a classroom?

If the district finds, for example, that Native or Black students are missing more days of school, it sends extra staff, resources, and funding right there. If an underfunded high school lacks AP math for Latino students, the equity audit flags it, and the superintendent’s evaluation depends on fixing it. No more toothless “equity committees” that produce a report: this plan forces direct action.

6. Isn’t this too harsh?

Sometimes, tough steps are needed. If an administrator has run a failing school for five-plus years with no improvement, PPS shouldn’t keep them in place forever.

7. What actions will PPS take?

  • Adopt a policy that commits the district to these annual and quarterly equity audits, bringing in groups like NAACP Portland to run them.

  • Mandate that principals and central staff share real-time absentee data, broken down by subgroup, so help can be immediate.

  • Provide monthly family stipends for those in severe absentee crises and mentors who connect culturally with students in need.

  • Restructure the superintendent’s performance review so that they must show measurable gains in equity stats or face consequences.

8. How can a regular voter follow this and see if it’s working?

Look for the publicly available equity audits. They should list progress (or failures) in areas like discipline gaps, AP enrollment, or chronic absenteeism. NAACP Portland or other third-party auditors will release quarterly updates—no behind-closed-doors secrecy allowed.

9. What if people think it’s just more red tape?

Without consistent data and outside oversight, “equity” remains a slogan. This plan uses clear metrics and frequent check-ins so PPS can’t give vague excuses. The bottom line: if we’re serious about all students thriving, we have to track it, own it, and act on it.