After over a year of research and work, CHCCS director of equity leadership Sheldon Lanier presented a draft of the district’s Equity Plan, designed to end racial inequity in schools, to the Board of Education Thursday night.

“We will be continuously updating this plan, as it should be a living, breathing document,” Lanier said. “I thought it was very important that any equity work, that there was actually a framework and a foundation in terms of the direction.”

The plan has four stated goals: to create an inclusive culture, to eliminate the achievement gap between students of color and their white peers, creating a fair punishment system and recruiting racially sensitive personnel.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools has long struggled with the issue of racial equality and last year received a report on how disciplinary actions disproportionately impact minority students.

Members of the community spoke before Lanier’s presentation and expressed their frustration with the plan.

“The updated equity plan just doesn’t seem comprehensive,” said Kenyana Clark. “Although 18 months have passed and my kids just can’t afford to continue to slip through the cracks.”

Some parents were upset that no dates were assigned in the plan as deadlines for future action.

Lanier said he would add deadlines as the plan became more concrete.

“I’m not going to rush my race and I don’t think my race is to be rushed,” Lanier said. “If we’re going to do something to target black and brown students, then I want to make sure that it is done correctly and it is rock solid and it is tight.”

He said he wanted to get more community involvement and that anyone with ideas who wanted to reach out to him should do so.

“I will tell you right now,” Lanier said. “The only S on my chest stands for Sheldon. It does not stand for Superman, I don’t know everything and there is point where you have to rely on those that may know more than you do.

After Lanier’s presentation, both board members and community members praised his effort, saying it was step in the right direction.

Related Stories
‹
Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Superintendent Rodney Trice on the New School Year
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Superintendent Rodney Trice joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, August 19.
Carrboro High School Enters 2025-26 School Year With New Leadership Team
CHCCS announced veteran educator Valerie Akins would step into the interim principal role for Carrboro High for the 2025-26 calendar.
Carrboro High School Principal Helena Thomas Reassigned; Interim To Be Named Later
Carrboro High School principal Helena Thomas is being reassigned to a new role within the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Instructional Services Division, per a release from superintendent Rodney Trice Thursday afternoon. The move will go into effect Monday, July 21. “This change is intended to support Carrboro High School in restoring stability and strengthening operations […]
Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Chief Communications Officer Andy Jenks
Andy Jenks, the chief communications officer for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Monday, July 14.
CHCCS Board Vice Chair Riza Jenkins Announces 2025 Re-Election Bid
Riza Jenkins, the vice chair of the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools school board, announced her intention to run for re-election.
Parents And Students Criticize Carrboro High School Principal, While NAACP Voices Support
The controversy around leadership at Carrboro High School continued to heat up this week, with parents, students, and the NAACP weighing in.
Here’s What You Need to Know Before CHCCS, Orange County High Schools’ 2025 Graduations
The local school districts are preparing to hold their graduations this weekend and have shared instructions for participants and visitors.
'I See This as Service': Rodney Trice Shares Early Approach, Emotions Around CHCCS Superintendent Hiring
During his first day on the job, CHCCS Superintendent Rodney Trice joined 97.9 The Hill for an initial interview about his new role.
Speaking of School: New CHCCS Superintendent Dr. Rodney Trice
New Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Superintendent Dr. Rodney Trice spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, June 9. He discussed his first day on the job, as well as the journey to becoming the district's superintendent. He talked about what he wants his priorities to be as he begins in the role, including making listening to classroom teachers a focal point. He discussed this weekend's high school graduation ceremonies, and more.
District Veteran Rodney Trice Hired as Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools' New Superintendent
The CHCCS Board of Education formally selected and approved Rodney Trice to be its next superintendent on Thursday night.
›