Employee Resource Groups in Park Hill

Park Hill School District supports the formation and establishment of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are employee-led and facilitated groups to support underrepresented individuals who share a common background or experiences.

What they are:

• Employee-led and facilitated
• Help foster a positive work environment by actively contributing to the mission, values, and efforts (specific to DEIB) of PHSD (refer to the DEIB Drivers above)
• Voluntary, uncompensated and employee-driven
• Organized around the protected classes set forth in non-discrimination laws or other historical barriers to an equitable and inclusive work environment.
• Designed to facilitate employee professional development, cultural connections, diversity and understanding within the PHSD workforce.
• Consists of at least five people
• Those outside of the underrepresented group must not be excluded from membership.

What they are not:

• Not intended to create a public forum or platform
• Not intended to establish or promote any political or social agenda

• The primary goal of ERGs is to promote diversity, openness, understanding and inclusiveness. 
• An ERG is a self-serving group providing social, collaborative, and problem solving, spaces.
• ERGs create a welcoming place for staff and faculty who share common interests to meet and support one another’s personal and professional perspectives with respect to particular ERGs. 
• Employee participation in ERGs is completely voluntary. 
• All ERGs are open to all employees. 
• ERGs will be created through an application and approval process and apply for renewal annually.
• ERGs must adhere to PHSD’s policies and procedures. 
• A district administrator will be required to support each ERG.
• Meetings will not interfere with student learning time and/or professional development time.
• If needed, district space can be utilized for meetings.  ERGs are responsible for their own refreshments and other resource needs. District resources, other than basic office supplies, will not be provided for ERGs. If an ERG has questions about resources, a request should be made to the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.
• An ERG can make reasonable and appropriate use of district communication methods such as the Pony, email, and staff mailboxes to disseminate information to members. Administrators should not be asked to distribute information, electronic or otherwise. ERGs will not be given access to or be able to use district distribution lists.

Expect Accountability
We will create a culture of accountability through restorative practices, including repairing hurt/harm/damage, engaging in uncomfortable conversations, learning from, and addressing our mistakes.

Ensure Inclusive Representation
We will ensure inclusive representation with intentional and meaningful DEIB practices in our workforce, curriculum, and programming so they mirror the communities we serve.

Engage in Purposeful Learning and Conversations
We will engage in purposeful learning and conversations, measure our progress, and help each other as we build a more inclusive Park Hill community.

Share our Stories and be Clear in our Communications
We will honor the stories of our Park Hill community and promote our commitment to DEIB practices by clearly communicating our successes and learning opportunities.

EMBRACE (staff of color)
Dr. Terri Deayon, district administrator liaison, 816-359-6560

PRISM (LGBTQ+) 
Dr. Andy Schuerman, district administrator liaison, 816-359-5652

Employee Resource Group Application (must be renewed each year)

Return the completed form to Dr. Amy Dillon, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.