WEST CHESTER TWP. — The Lakota Board of Education will not ask the U.S. Department of Justice to mediate a disagreement between the district and the NAACP regarding racial climate in the schools.

Hines

        But the district is doing an internal review of its suspension and expulsion rates and is working toward improving cultural diversity in its staff, school officials said.

        “We don't feel it's needed. We don't feel there's anything to be mediated,” said Sandy Wheatley, president of the Lakota Board of Education. “We will continue to work together with the minority population in the community to get better at what we do with all kids.”

        Last month, NAACP President and Lakota parent Gary Hines sent a letter to the school district saying racial progress has been too slow. He called for sweeping moves that include hiring more black administrators and coaches and requiring all Lakota Schools employees to receive cultural sensitivity training.

        Nearly 5 percent of 15,466 students in Lakota Schools are black. There are nine African- American teachers out of 872; one black administrator among 48; and seven African-American noninstructional employees among 2,100.

        Mrs. Wheatley and the other board members said Monday they are trying to diversify the staff but would continue to hire the most qualified person for each position regardless of race, gender or ethnicity.

        Liberty Township Parent Samuel Kelly said he has confidence that Superintendent Kathleen Klink is listening to the community and working toward a more diversified staff. But he also believes the district must step up its efforts.

        “We want to do more than just stay where we're at,” said Mr. Kelly, who is African-American. “We need to find people who look different than us who will do a good job.

        “Going after other people that are not like us is (perceived to be) an inconvenience when it's really mandatory.”

        Board member Jeff Jones said the board is addressing issues of racial diversity through its strategic plan, which is being updated.

        “We do value the differences between students and staff and we want to nurture that ... to help students achieve,” Mr. Jones said.

        Mr. Hines, whose NAACP chapter includes Hamilton, Fairfield, West Chester Township and Liberty Township, said he is waiting for a letter from Mrs. Wheatley before commenting on the board's decision not to request a DOJ mediator.

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