Schools should maximize the potential of each and every student. Equity means every student gets exactly what he or she needs in order to learn and experience success. Regardless of zip code, all students should have access to the same, quality opportunities. My daughter Sarah has cerebral palsy and has spent her life in a wheelchair. Without proper accommodations, it would have been almost impossible for her to be successful in school. However, because the appropriate supports were in place for her, she graduated as salutatorian from Matoaca High School and went on to attend UVA. As a school system, CCPS needs to support all students: those who come from low-income homes; students learning English; students with disabilities; gifted students; and students from diverse ethnic backgrounds. They all should have the same opportunities to maximize their potential. The first step to achieving this goal is to develop an equity plan and create cultural competency training for CCPS staff. This training cannot be a drive by, one- and-done professional development. It needs to be ongoing and in partnership with higher education to prepare our future teachers for the diversity in today’s classrooms. I would work to ensure that the equity plan is developed and implemented with integrity. I would advocate to continue funding the costs for all students to take the SATs. This is just one example of a barrier that could be removed that would level the playing field for many students.