From: Chad Phillips
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. superintendent
Columbus
As leaders committed to building and strengthening community, BCSC closely monitors state and federal actions that affect our work. Our community rightly expects us to be responsible stewards—complying with laws, regulations, and guidelines. Our community also expects us to uphold the enduring values that make this a special place for everyone to learn, work, and play.
For decades, our community has intentionally worked to be welcoming and inclusive of people from all backgrounds. The Columbus Human Rights Commission, established in 1962, was an early expression of that commitment. Since 2005, when the Heritage Fund led the first of three major studies on inclusion, our community has rallied around the idea of being a welcoming place—grounded in Hoosier Hospitality and a shared ethic of respect and kindness.
BCSC has been an active partner in this work. In 2011, we created a district-level role focused on fostering a safe, welcoming culture where all students, staff, and community members feel valued and supported. That effort continues today and is reflected in BCSC’s strategic plan, adopted in 2021, which affirms our belief that we flourish because of the diversity and variability in our community.
While a series of executive orders, guidance letters, and regulatory directives may influence how we carry out our work, they do not alter the core values that define us. At the heart of those values is a belief in the dignity and worth of every individual.
This commitment has delivered meaningful results. Graduation rates rise when students feel supported and connected. Reading skills grow stronger when children feel safe and valued. Employees perform at their best when treated with fairness and respect. Strong communities are built when everyone has an opportunity to succeed.
And communities thrive when they lead with compassion and respect. We have been among Indiana’s fastest-growing communities and, according to 2023 data from Stats Indiana, Bartholomew County ranks second in the state for the percentage of foreign-born residents (10%). The growth and vitality that we all enjoy are closely tied to our inclusive values and our reputation as a welcoming place.
As we begin this 2025-26 school year, BCSC is making changes to policies and practices based on new laws and regulations. And our commitment remains constant: to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all of our students, staff, and families.
As always, please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns.
