Office of the Superintendent

Dear Taylor Schools Community,

We have all heard the age-old advice that you should walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. It is not always an easy practice to follow. However, I guarantee that when you do take that walk, your eyes will be open to a whole different world. It is easy for humans to be focused on their own experiences, often unaware of the vastly different realities that others may face. This is especially true when you walk a mile in the shoes of someone from a different race, gender, sexual identity, physical ability, and so on. As a white male, my life experiences are vastly different from the experiences of many of the students and families that I serve. As a district, it is imperative that we take the time to understand the experiences of the community in which we serve and to always strive to meet their needs.

With this in mind, I am making a pledge to our community that there will be no tolerance for hate in the Taylor School District Community. We are committed to celebrating the diversity that exists within our community, providing equity to all that we serve, and fostering a welcoming culture of inclusivity and acceptance.

This is not just a social justice issue, but also a public health issue. Tragically, stories surface daily on how acts of discrimination can lead to mental and physical health concerns, and in some extreme cases, even death. This has really hit home with the recent death of a non-binary student in Oklahoma who experienced bullying and physical altercations in school. In Taylor Schools, we pledge that every member of our school district community WILL have the same right to a safe and inclusive education, free from discrimination based on personal beliefs, abilities, societal perceptions, or self-identification. Our community will be a safe place where ALL can learn, thrive, and be accepted.

Since October, a team from the Taylor School District has been attending the Beyond Equity series from the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA). Through this series, our team is undertaking a review process to ensure a lasting commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Emily Graham (Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Curriculum and Resilience), Jason Gribble (Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Curriculum and Operations), Michelle Nedzlak (THS Science Teacher, Department Head, and Taylor Federation of Teacher High School Vice-President), and Stephanie Shufeldt (Taylor Board of Education Trustee) for being a part of this dedication to lasting change.

We know that these efforts will take the collective effort of our entire community. I am looking forward to the work that we will all do together to make the Taylor School District a place where hate has no home.

Sincerely,

Michael B. Wegher
Superintendent
Taylor School District

Taylor School District

Office of the Superintendent

Superintendent Communications