March 1, 2022 

To Our Park City School District Community, 

A safe and healthy learning environment is an essential characteristic of effective schools, and every day at Park City Schools we seek to provide a safe and respectful learning and working environment for every student and employee. 

When an incident of racist language, hate speech or negative messaging occurs, this action goes against everything for which our schools stand; it is completely contrary to our core values, vision and goals as a learning organization. It is hurtful to all. 

Call to Action 

“It seems now more than ever that schooling can and should be designed to support young people of all identities and backgrounds as they self-actualize, realize their full potential and participate in a democratic society... [and that] schools today must focus relentlessly on the social-emotional, academic, and healthy identity development of every child” (PELP Note on Racial Equity in Schools, 2020). 

We work to support students and staff who have been affected by incidents, and we want to assure every student and employee that we are committed to safety and well-being. 

Any incident such as racist messaging is additional evidence of the pressing need in our schools, our community and our nation to find ways to talk constructively and respectfully about diversity, religion and race. 

I am encouraged by the efforts of our staff and students to lean into challenging conversations about race by creating a task force to further research, review and generate action plans that halt intolerant speech or behavior in its tracks; share how they are personally impacted by racism; and contribute to our work to provide schools that are safe, supportive, engaged, challenged and healthy - and where every student feels a sense of belonging. 

I am appreciative of the offer of assistance that many of you have extended. Your input has informed the short term actions we’ve identified so far and will continue to shape our long term work, too. 

We are committed to ensuring schools where racism is not tolerated and is not ignored. This is significant work, and we have valuable assets available to support it: student voice and active student leaders; and effective relationships between school staff and students. 

Respectfully, 

Dr. Jill Gildea, Superintendent