Wednesday, August 21, 2019 - As part of its strategic, multifaceted work to increase equity and diversity across the system, Springfield Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Yvania Garcia-Pusateri as the district's new Chief Equity and Diversity Officer. Ms. Garcia-Pusateri is the current executive director of multicultural programs at Missouri State University and will begin her new role with SPS on September 9.
"We are so pleased to welcome Yvania to our team," said Dr. John Jungmann, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools. "The leadership and expertise that she brings to this new role will be critical to building learning and working environments that are more inclusive for all, while also bridging the achievement gap for our under-resourced and under-represented students. Yvania will have full support from our system as she leads this important work."
"I am passionate about promoting a culture of care that enhances the personal and academic trajectory of students," said Ms. Garcia-Pusateri. "I am excited to join Springfield Public Schools and its executive leadership team because of the shared commitment to student success and to supporting and affirming their identities and lived experiences. I look forward to working directly with students, families, staff and community members on transformative initiatives."
Prior to her three years of leadership at Missouri State University, Ms. Garcia-Pusateri served as the assistant director of diversity affairs and coordinator of diverse student development at Miami University in Ohio. She holds a bachelor of arts in communication studies and a master of science in college counseling and student development from Azusa Pacific University in California. Ms. Garcia-Pusateri is currently completing her dissertation as part of a doctoral program in educational leadership at Miami University.
About Equity and Diversity Work at SPS
The Strategic Plan for Springfield Public Schools is aligned to identify and measure progress in closing the gaps for under-resourced and under-represented students - specifically as it relates to academic achievement, learning supports, graduation outcomes and discipline. The current, ongoing work to improve equity across the system is focused on curriculum, culture, community engagement, student support and staff development.
In support of this work, the SPS Board of Education approved additional resources as part of the 2019-2020 budget allocation process. This includes funding for the Chief Equity and Diversity Officer and additional training for all teachers, support staff and administrators. That training is underway. In addition, an Equity and Diversity Advisory Council comprised of more than 40 community members is now meeting twice monthly to assess the district's current work and develop recommendations for moving forward.
To learn more about the SPS programs, initiatives and strategies underway to serve under-resourced and under-represented students, visit www.sps.org/equity. The Strategic Plan is found at www.sps.org/strategicplan.
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