June 4, 2020

Dear RJUHSD Community,

I started to prepare today’s community message with final reminders but instead, I feel compelled to share my thoughts about the troubling situation in our country. I know that our community is hurting after witnessing the death of yet another unarmed black male at the hands of a white police officer—this time in Minneapolis. I want to offer the following thoughts and welcome an honest conversation about racial injustice and the role public education can play in bringing communities together. 

In light of recent events in our nation, and our community, it is important that we clearly communicate our district’s mission to contribute to a just and equitable society. As an educational institution, we are poised to make a difference in the lives of our students and our community. 

Our recent and ongoing partnership with the National Equity Project is providing us the knowledge, resources and inspiration to foster a community that respects all human life, celebrates diversity, belonging, and actively seeks equitable access and success for all. 

It is apparent that we have room to grow. Sometimes our students behave in a manner that is not reflective of our schools, our district and our community. We are seeing this more than ever on social media and we deplore these actions. We are committed to learning about and addressing root causes of learned behaviors that do not reflect the values of our schools, district and community. We are compelled to act so that our students learn and grow. In the words of Martin Luther King,

A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.

We must and will instill in our students the resolve to rise above hatred and create a world where all are treated with dignity, equality and justice. We stand beside those experiencing racism and are committed to supporting the voices seeking justice and equality. When we stand up in unity, our voices can be heard.

Sincerely, 

Jess Borjon

Interim Superintendent