By Heart of Illinois ABC

BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Unit 5 School Board has a new director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Without discussion as part of approving the consent agenda, the board approved Dr. Kristal Shelvin to the position during its board meeting Wednesday night.

Superintendent Kristen Weikle added Shelvin will be the lead person in putting the District’s equity plan into motion, serving as a resource to family, students, and staff on diversity and inclusion issues.

“We want them to see and learn about families that look like them, to hear about perspectives in history that encompass a lot of prospective, because that helps them grow their critical thinking skills and collaborate with others,” said Weikle.

“There have been so many things happening across the country in the last year, year and a half, and really, when it comes down to it, a lot of it is about diversity and equity, and the inclusive piece of you know, as Superintendent, I want our students, staff, and families to feel welcomed, to feel included when they come into our school building, and feel like they are learning about people similar to them, as well as those who are different from them,” Weikle added.

The Superintendent went on to say the new officer will see an equity report, which was worked on all this year, looking into procedures, policies, and other data within the district.

That report is expected to get presented in full at the August board meeting.

Weikle added this position fills an administrative position that had been left vacant.

Shelvin begins her new position on July 1st.

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