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In an effort to encourage equity in education, the VSBA Board of Directors has designated the month of March as VSBA Equity in Education Month. The 2022 VSBA Equity in Education Month is proudly sponsored by Sodexo.

Equity in education is a significant challenge nationwide. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, most public-school students were students of color, and more than half of public-school students qualify for subsidized meals due to low family income.

In Virginia, 40% of our students are considered economically disadvantaged with approximately 1/3 white (not Hispanic), 1/3 Black, and 1/3 Hispanic. We believe Virginia should lead the country in serving ALL our students with excellence.

With the added inequities that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the challenges that we are faced with economically, it is more important now than ever before that we as advocates and servants of public education are addressing these inequities head on. We must ensure that all students no matter their zip code, area of the state they reside, or size of their school division receive the supports necessary to achieve positive academic outcomes. When inequity in education persists, there is a cost to all involved including missed opportunities for economic development, greater dependence on government supports, and fewer Virginians ready to serve and lead.
<h3>Resources</h3>
<blockquote><a href="https://www.vsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/EquityInEducation_2022Guide.pdf">Equity in Education Month Guidebook</a>

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Follow #EquityInActionVA on social media for highlights from across the Commonwealth!

For questions, please reach out to Tom Brewster, Assistant Executive Director, at <a href="mailto:brittany@vsba.org"><strong>tom@vsba.org</strong></a>.

VSBA would like to thank the sponsor of Equity in Education Month, Sodexo.</blockquote>
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