Winona Area Public Schools’ (WAPS) Diversity and Equity Committee (DEC) is charged with making sure minority students have equitable access to education and helping the district fulfill its mission: “welcoming all learners.” Over the course of last year, several DEC members expressed frustration at how little progress they felt was being made. “It’s like we can’t move,” DEC member, Black parent, and former WAPS administrator Maurella Cunningham said. “It’s like when you’re in a dream, and you can’t accomplish things. It shouldn’t be that difficult.” District leaders said WAPS is making progress while also facing a pandemic that poses extreme challenges for educators.