Diversity Committee Expands with New Members and Mission
The Barstow School is committed to justice, equity, equality and opportunity in our community and our country. In keeping with our promise to fight racism and our mission “to provide sound scholarship and give symmetrical development to mind, body and character,” Barstow has expanded the membership and responsibilities of the 2020-2021 Diversity Committee.
The committee began meeting on Monday, June 29. Members are charged with examining all aspects of the school community, including, but not limited to admission and employment practices, curriculum and outreach. The committee will make recommendations to the administration and Board of Trustees and assist with the implementation of sustainable practices that promote positive change.
Members of the Barstow Diversity Committee bring a wide range of experience, expertise and perspectives to this work. Director of Campus Operations Liz Bartow will lead the committee. In addition to teaching experience in all three school divisions, Ms. Bartow has directed the service-learning program and served as Director of Admission and Director of Upper and Middle Schools. Other members of the committee are:
- Candice Baldwin, Admission Administrative Assistant; Varsity Cross Country and Track and Field Coach.
- Ilsy Blachly, Director of Global Education.
- Leah Jael Becker-Ricketts ’10, Entrepreneur and Owner, FemRems Herbal Wellness & Beauty LLC.
- Ted McKnight, Vice President/Producer for CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services; former professional football player for the Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills.
- Latha Reiland, parent of Barstow students in the classes of 2021, 2023 and 2026; past president of the Barstow Parents’ Association.
- Jonathan Rosa ’11, Assistant to Baseball Operations, Kansas City Royals, and the Youth Academy.
- Ryann Galloway Tacha, Director of Advancement.
- Billy Thomas, VarsityBoys Basketball Coach; former University of Kansas and professional basketball player.
- Kimberly Vasquez, Lower School Kindergarten Coordinator andTeacher; parent of Barstow alumna Madeline ’16.
- Maurice Watson ’76, former Chairman, Husch Blackwell LLP; former Chairman, Barstow Board of Trustees, 1993-1996.
Barstow welcomes people from all races, religions and cultures. Barstow recognizes that Black lives matter. With guidance from the diversity committee, our school will continue to encourage conversations and actions that advance justice, equity, and equality.
