All staff must complete implicit bias training by the end of 2026-27

What happened

On June 2, 2026 the committee voted 3 to 2 to require implicit bias training for all North Kingstown staff and administrators by the end of the 2026-2027 school year. The superintendent had described a "train the trainer" approach delivered through faculty meetings; the member who moved the mandate said she wanted the training done by outside professionals. The vote followed public comment from parents and staff describing bias-based bullying and racial incidents, and a district equity audit that recommended professional development in this area.

Why it matters to families

Training staff to recognize bias is meant to change how students are treated and disciplined, which shows up in daily school life.

The evidence

The June 2, 2026 approved minutes record the discussion of the equity audit's professional development recommendations, the motion to mandate implicit bias training for all staff and administration by the end of the 26-27 school year, and the 3-2 vote.

The source