Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District policy allows for funding to be used for race-focused staff development and mentoring programming, including affinity groups and ‘financial incentives for teachers of color’

SUMMARY

Minnesota’s Warren – Alvarado – Oslo School District Policy 425 – Staff Development and Mentoring includes a section which states that funds can be used in support of race-based affinity groups, other race-focused programmings, and “financial incentives for teachers of color and teachers who are American Indian.”

POLICY 425 – STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND MENTORING

The district’s Policy 425 – Staff Development and Mentoring states that the “district may use staff development revenue, special grant programs established by the legislature, or another funding source” for initiatives such as “additional stipends as incentives to mentors of color or who are American Indian,” financial support for affinity groups for “teachers from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups,” and other race-focused professional development programming.

The policy also states that to the “extent the school district receives a grant for any of the above purposes, it will negotiate additional retention strategies or protection from unrequested leave of absences in the beginning years of employment for teachers of color and teachers who are American Indian.” It also states that retention strategies “may include providing financial incentives for teachers of color and teachers who are American Indian to work in the school or district for at least five (5) years and placing American Indian educators at sites with other American Indian educators and educators of color at sites with other educators of color to reduce isolation and increase opportunity for collegial support.