6/15/20 STATEMENT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY:
The Nyack Union Free School District Board of Education, the Superintendent, and Administration stand resolutely against all acts of racism and in solidarity with black and brown students, administrators, faculty, staff and families in our community.
In the wake of the violent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, we have seen largely peaceful protests, including a remarkable, youth-led demonstration, which drew a beautifully diverse crowd of thousands of neighbors to downtown Nyack this past week.
This Board of Education and Administration feel the anger and hurt of our black and brown communities in the face of brutal injustice. We affirm without equivocation that Black Lives Matter. And, we pledge to confront systemic racism whenever and wherever it occurs in our District.
We also celebrate the courage, commitment, and resilience of our students. We pledge to amplify their cries for equity as we work with all our community partners to ensure that young people of color—along with their families, and our faculty and staff—feel valued and safe in our schools.
The mission of Nyack Public Schools is “Building Bridges for today's students to cross into tomorrow's world with Equity, Innovation and Optimism.” Equity comes first, and it must continue to come first in everything we do. As we endeavor to dismantle systemic racism and end racial disparities in academic outcomes, disciplinary actions, Special Education referrals and more, our work must uplift and center black and brown voices.
Over the past several years, we have seen our administrators, staff, faculty and Board join courageous conversations, challenge inequities and support each other in pursuit of a District culture that lives up to our core values—and recognizes the role of educators in helping to create a more just and equitable world.
We, your Board of Education, and the Leadership of Nyack Public Schools, share those values and validate the role our teachers and staff play. We believe in the ability of our public schools to catalyze positive change, and commend the young people of Nyack for leading our community towards reconciliation, healing, and hope.
Sincerely,
The Nyack School Board, Superintendent and Leadership Team of Nyack Schools
Lisa Mininger Retallack 
