Section 2.
3 : Community Demographics
2.2.13 Analyze the community’s shifting demographics, and recommend ways that the
education system can respond
Community demographics is the analysis of a population that includes, economic,
income, employment, real estate, or racial data. A school district must be aware of their changing
demographics in order to ensure they are meeting the needs of the stakeholders.
The Olentangy Local School District is one of the fastest growing school districts in the
state of Ohio. Already at four high schools, five middle schools, and fifteen elementary schools,
there is the potential to add another middle school and two elementary schools within the next
three years. These new additions are due to the rapid population growth the area is expecting.
According to Olentangy, “in 10 years, the student population is projected to grow to 25,991, and
by 2033/2034 it is anticipated to reach 28,258 students” (evidence 2.3.1).
This district is low in racial diversity. The lowest score on their district report card was in
terms of diversity with a B-. With 20,322 students in the district, 77.8 % of the Olentangy Local
School District is white, 11.7 % is asain and 4.2% is multiracial according to NICHE (evidence
2.3.2). There is also a large Indian population in the area.
In response to these statistics, the Olentangy administration is heavily pushing for more
inclusion and acceptance of all races in the classroom. “The Olentangy School District believes
in promoting an environment of inclusive excellence for all our students, staff members, and
families.” (evidence 2.3.3). Each year the district hosts a One Community Conference where
students and the district's diversity committee members speak about how we can better accept
diversity in the classroom (evidence 2.3.4). Alum Creek Elementary School also hosts an
EPCOT day with stations of different countries so students can learn about and experience
different cultures.
The Big Walnut Local School District, borders the Olentangy Local School District, and
is even less diverse. 93.2 % of the district is white, and they received a C - score for diversity on
their report card (evidence 2.3.5). One parent resource that is available in this district is SENG,
which is where “gifted adults and children, in all their diversity, understand and accept
themselves and are understood, valued, nurtured, and supported by their families, schools,
workplaces and communities”. In addition to this resource, the district could also hire a diversity
committee or assign a diversity leader to each school to help emphasize the importance of
diversity in their school district (evidence 2.3.6).
The Columbus City School District is the 46th most diverse district in the state out of a
total 608. This is a low income school district, located in inner city Columbus. They have a C-
score as a whole and the graduation rate is only 78% (evidence 2.3.7). According to the district’s
website, “Columbus City Schools' efforts are to increase diverse representation, create and
sustain equality of opportunity, and intentionally foster an inclusive and equitable environment.”
While this district does have a diverse population of students, it is important that teachers
continue to acknowledge and accept differences of race and religion in the classroom.
No matter how diverse a community is, it is important that the staff of school districts
push the importance of diversity and inclusion. A school could hire a committee dedicated to this
task or the teacher can take it upon themselves to ensure that diversity in their classroom is being
properly celebrated. School district administration must consider the demographics their district
is located in and how it will affect their district’s overall performance.
