LM NovDec2017

214

Todd Dugan understands

that tackling the equity gap in

public education is a daunting

task that requires a creative

approach utilizing all of the

tools available.

“Students that need the most help need the most resources,”

said Dugan, superintendent of New Holland-Middletown

Elementary District 88, where 99 percent of the students are

considered to be low-income according to the 2017 ISBE

Report Card. “We need to creatively think of ways to provide

those students a more enriching school experience if we

expect them to achieve at the same levels as students of

prosperity. That is why it is so important to focus on equity,

not equality.”

Dugan has focused on bringing hope and 21st Century

skills to those who need it most. He talked about schools

addressing outdated needs, moving from 19th Century

models that prepared students for factory and agricultural

jobs instead of STEM and entrepreneurship.