Press release

Highline Public Schools has established an Office of Equity and Family Engagement as part of its effort to improve academic achievement of students from all ethnic groups.

Bernadette Merikle has been appointed as director of the new department.

For the past two years, Ms. Merikle has been Highline's community engagement manager. She will continue to oversee parent engagement efforts and the district's family center, which assists parents with enrollment, language interpretation, and resolution of concerns and complaints.

In addition, the Office of Equity and Family Engagement will lead the work outlined in the district's equity action plan. The equity plan was developed by a committee of community members, parents, and staff under Merikle's leadership in response to the school board's equity policy. The equity policy was adopted by the board just before the 2010-11 school year.

Currently, the Office of Equity is working with an independent firm to conduct an assessment of equity in Highline Public Schools. Results of the assessment will be presented to the school board next spring.