D.C. Everest Area School District

Championing district-wide equity and access initiatives: In addition to working to advance equity for all students in instruction and curriculum, the leadership team engages in professional development to assist in identifying and eradicating institutional bias and the barriers that accompany it. The district has also revised communication practices and eliminated participation fees to ensure all students and families can fully access school resources.

Supporting student mental health needs: Recognizing high need in the student community, the district works with key community partners to offer mental health services in every school. The district leads a community-wide call to action on youth mental health care and has equipped staff to embrace a trauma-informed approach to teaching and learning.

Equipping every student with an iPad: A streamlined fee structure allows all families to fully engage in the district’s 1:1 initiative. The devices were chosen to meet the needs of the rural district, as an iPad’s on/offline capabilities are helpful for many students with limited access to high-speed internet at home.