As an educational leader, Eric Dick is deeply committed to advancing equity and closing opportunity gaps so that all students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Dick recognizes that many students in Harris County, particularly those from low-income families, English language learners, students with disabilities, and students of color, face systemic barriers to educational success. These include inadequate school funding, limited access to high-quality teachers and rigorous coursework, and unmet basic needs like food, healthcare, and stable housing.
To address these challenges, Dick advocates for targeted interventions and support services that help level the playing field and ensure that all students can thrive. This could include expanding access to high-quality early childhood education, which has been shown to have significant long-term benefits for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Dick also supports initiatives to recruit and retain a diverse, highly skilled teacher workforce, particularly in high-need schools and hard-to-staff subject areas. He believes in providing teachers with competitive pay, robust professional development opportunities, and supportive working conditions that enable them to do their best work on behalf of students.
To promote equitable access to rigorous coursework, Dick wants to see expanded availability of Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual credit courses, particularly in schools serving underrepresented student populations. He also supports initiatives to identify and cultivate academic talent among all students, regardless of their prior achievement levels.
Dick recognizes that advancing educational equity also requires addressing students' non-academic needs. He supports the community school model, in which schools serve as hubs for various family and community services, such as health clinics, counseling, adult education classes, and job training programs. By partnering with community-based organizations and service providers, schools can help mitigate the impact of poverty and support the whole child.
In all of these efforts, Dick believes in the importance of authentic community engagement and partnership. He wants to see more opportunities for parents, students, and community members to have a voice in shaping the policies and practices of their local schools and to work collaboratively with educators to support student success.
Ultimately, Dick believes that ensuring educational equity is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity for the long-term vitality and prosperity of Harris County. By investing in the success of all our children, we can tap into a wellspring of untapped talent and potential that will drive innovation, growth, and shared progress for generations to come.