Statement from Byron V. Garrett, CEO of Equal Opportunity Schools
The Murder of George Floyd and The Current State of Affairs
“In these moments, reflection is one of our most powerful tools. This weekend, we witnessed ongoing nationwide civil unrest as a result of the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police officers. As the leader of an organization of dedicated professionals who strive to ensure our students have an equal opportunity to succeed, I take seriously our role and responsibility in light of the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and so many others. In that mission, we stand in solidarity with those who seek justice and who highlight, by their presence in the streets, the urgent need for unyielding structural change…”
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update.
Equal Opportunity Schools is reaching out to assure you that we are monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic closely and are working to ensure we meet the needs of our partner districts, schools, and individuals as well as provide for the health and safety of our employees.
We realize this public health crisis has already been disruptive to your districts, schools, and communities and wanted to share what we’re doing to support both our partners and employees in this time of crisis. Steps that we are taking include:
- Closing the Seattle office and transitioning all employees to work remotely, from their home. This ensures your districts and schools continue to receive ongoing support.
- Instituting a no travel policy nationwide to protect everyone from potentially being exposed to COVID-19.
- Postponing all in-person meetings including regularly scheduled school visits, Equity Leader Labs, regional convenings, and participation at conferences.
- Ensuring our employees have access to the necessary solution platforms, required equipment, and supplies to continue interactions and engagements with you, our partners.
We recognize that we are operating in challenging times and thank you for your assistance, patience, and concern for all. We face this unique challenge together as one EOS family. Likewise, we encourage you to look into your communities for ways you might be of service to those who are most adversely affected by the virus and its impact on our society: particularly in the populations we aim to serve.
We will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide regular communications as we receive updates. Above all, we wish for the health and safety of you, your colleagues, and your loved ones as we work through the COVID-19 challenge together. For questions and concerns, please contact us.
We collaborate with school districts to increase equitable enrollment in rigorous courses.
Equal Opportunity Schools’ mission is to ensure that students of color and low-income students have equitable access to America’s most academically intense high school programs and succeed at the highest levels.
Our partnership model is consultative, collaborative, and requires a commitment to specific and measurable results. Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) has helped more than 600 schools identify students of color and low-income students who qualify for, but are missing from Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes. Working together, we successfully enroll them and support their academic success.
EOS is headquartered in Seattle, Washington and continues to hire professionals to support our growing portfolio of partner districts.
To learn more, contact us today or email us with questions.
Three-quarters of a million high school students are ready to be enrolled.
Access to AP/IB has a lasting impact.