Superintendent Susan Enfield has been appointed to a steering committee charged with recommending solutions to a growing racial disparity in the regional juvenile justice system. The Juvenile Justice Equity Steering Committee announced by King County Executive Dow Constantine includes judges, law enforcement, community leaders, educators, youth, parents, and mental-health professionals. 

“We know that keeping students in school and engaged in learning is the best way to keep them out of the juvenile justice system,” said Dr. Enfield.  “Students who are suspended – even once—are more likely to drop out, and students who drop out are more likely to end up in the justice system. That is why we have a districtwide goal of eliminating out-of-school suspensions except in safety situations.”

“Ending racial disproportionality in the justice system is closely tied to ending racial disproportionality in the education system,” said Enfield.  “I look forward to working with this team to develop ways to improve outcomes for all youth.”