Abington Schools Hire First Ever District Equity Officer

ABINGTON, PA — The Abington School District has hired a new administrative employee focused on promoting equity and diversity in schools. It's believed to be among just a handful of similar positions in schools around Pennsylvania.

Kristopher Brown, who holds a PhD in educational leadership, is Abington's new district equity officer.

The administration, along with the school board, created the position to "assess and cultivate equity to enhance recruitment and retention of staff, provide professional development, and promote the achievement of students from diverse and under-represented populations within the district," according to an announcement from the district on Tuesday.

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“I am excited to have the opportunity to return to the Abington School District,” Brown said in a statement. "This is an incredible community, and I am grateful to get a chance to engage in work about which I am truly passionate—all in a place that I care about greatly. I commend Dr. Fecher and the Board of School Directors for committing to this effort, and I look forward to working to ensure that the Abington School District serves all children well.”

Brown was previously the principal at Strath Haven High School in Delaware County's Wallingford-Swarthmore School District. He also serves as a adjunct professor at his alma mater, St. Joseph's University.