What is Racial Equity and Integration (REI)?
REI is a district’s commitment to eliminating racial disparities in educational outcomes. It ensures that all students—regardless of race or ZIP code—are included in the academic, social, and cultural life of the school. REI work acknowledges systemic inequities, addresses structural barriers, and promotes authentic integration by redistributing power, resources, and opportunities.
The Birth of METCO 2.0
In 2020, as communities across the country reeled from the murder of George Floyd and the resurgence of a national racial justice movement, METCO, Inc. took decisive action. Recognizing the need for renewed purpose and accountability, METCO, Inc. convened superintendents and leaders from all METCO-participating districts to issue a collective statement of solidarity. This was not merely a symbolic gesture—it was the beginning of a deeper transformation.
From this pivotal moment emerged METCO 2.0, a comprehensive, strategic vision for the future of the program. This initiative represents not just a reaction to injustice, but a proactive framework for systemic change—aimed at embedding racial equity and antiracism into the everyday life of schools. It was a call to move beyond access alone and ensure that every student enrolled in a METCO district experiences a truly inclusive and affirming education.
METCO 2.0 Vision
“Every student in a METCO district will experience an inclusive, equitable, and antiracist education.”
This vision encapsulates the driving purpose of METCO 2.0. It recognizes that integration alone is not enough; true equity demands intentional practice, accountability, and a commitment to justice. METCO 2.0 calls on participating districts to critically examine their systems, policies, and culture—and to adopt an unwavering stance against racism in all its forms.
The framework is both aspirational and actionable. It reaffirms METCO districts’ collective leadership role in public education and underscores the moral and civic imperative of antiracism in schools. The vision is clear: every student, regardless of race, background, or ZIP code, deserves to learn in an environment that is inclusive, empowering, and equitable.
Foundational Tools of METCO 2.0
To support districts in translating vision into action, METCO, Inc. has developed the following guiding documents:
The METCO 2.0 Antiracism Roadmap
This strategic guide helps districts embed antiracist values and actions into their core operations. From leadership practices to classroom instruction to school climate, the Roadmap provides a pathway for transformation grounded in reflection, dialogue, and systemic change.
The METCO District Blueprint
At the heart of METCO 2.0, the Blueprint outlines 13 commitments that define what it means to be a METCO district. These include recommendations around equitable resource allocation, culturally responsive teaching, data transparency, and community engagement. The Blueprint serves as both a standard and a mirror—clarifying expectations while supporting continuous improvement.
The METCO Program Pledge
This document outlines six essential agreements that guide the operation of a high-quality METCO program. The Pledge highlights the importance of adequate staffing, student wellness support, sustained funding, and active stakeholder collaboration. It ensures that program implementation is not just equitable in theory, but effective and consistent in practice.
To translate strategy into sustained action, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts invested nearly $1 million across two fiscal years to support METCO 2.0. These funds were allocated to launch and refine initiatives across participating districts, marking the most focused and structured investment in METCO’s REI work to date.
State Support for METCO 2.0
To advance this work, the Commonwealth appropriated nearly $1 million across FY23 and FY24 to pilot systemic REI initiatives within METCO districts.
| FY23 STATE FUNDED ACTIVITIES | FY24 STATE FUNDED ACTIVITIES |
| METCO 2.0 Launch Phase Contracted with national research firm Education Advisory Board (EAB) to create the METCO Blueprint: $150,000. Provided targeted district-wide professional development, including: restorative justice training, equity improvement cycles, community conversations on race, and district leadership retreats: $173,000. Awarded an inaugural round of REI grants to 20 districts to explore one of the 13 commitments. Funded activities included: restorative justice, equity centered leadership, student support, academic achievement and youth development: $177,000. | METCO 2.0 Refinement Phase METCO, Inc. held a district leadership retreat to seek feedback on the next phase of the METCO Blueprint – a revised assessment tool that includes objective metrics to assess progress over a continuum of METCO 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0. This continuum indicates that districts are not expected to be perfect but have a path towards becoming examples of excellence: $15,000. Awarded a second round of REI grants to 24 districts in the areas of restorative practices, equity centered leadership, and student equity initiatives: $465,000. |
| FY23 TOTAL APPROPRIATION $500,000 | FY24 TOTAL APPROPRIATION $480,000 |
These strategic investments helped solidify METCO 2.0 as a structured, data-informed, and replicable model for educational equity across the state.
Impact of State Investments
The impact of these investments has already begun to reshape how school districts engage with equity and integration.
Key accomplishments include:
Development of the METCO Blueprint, codifying 13 district-wide commitments and providing a clear roadmap for school integration and racial equity.
Completion of the first-ever statewide assessment of racial equity practices in METCO districts. This tool provides a snapshot of current strengths and areas for growth, empowering districts to make informed, targeted improvements.
Recognition of district exemplars leading the way in REI work, both within Massachusetts and nationally—providing models of excellence that can inspire and guide other communities.
Together, these outcomes represent the beginning of a more data-informed, results-driven future for METCO.
Looking Ahead
Despite the documented success of METCO 2.0, no state funding was appropriated for FY25. This pause in funding comes at a pivotal time, as diversity, equity, inclusion and REI efforts face mounting scrutiny and legislative rollback across the country. In this climate, Massachusetts has a profound opportunity to lead—not just by resisting regression, but also by boldly advancing equity and inclusion.
Continued investment in METCO 2.0 is not merely a policy decision—it is a declaration of values. It signals to students, families, and educators that the Commonwealth stands firm in its belief that public education should uplift every child and reflect the diversity of our society. This is a moment to lead by example, showing that equity is not just an aspiration—it is a responsibility.
For more information or if you have any questions, contact Tony at tlaing@metcoinc.org