Fountain Starts a New Chapter as JCSD Director of Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Louis Fountain will be the first Director of Equity, Inclusion & Belonging for the Johnston Community School District.
Mr. Louis Fountain has been hired as the new Johnston Community School District Director of Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.
Fountain has made his career in establishing, implementing, restoring, and sustaining systems to give underrepresented youth, families, and communities the tools for success. As the new Director of Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Fountain will tackle equity initiatives in the school district. He will be a member of the district’s administrative team, where he will work closely with district and building administrators to lead equity work and spearhead the creation of nondiscriminatory environments for all students, families, and staff. Much of his work will focus on action steps outlined in the district’s strategic plan Equity focus area.
“I am excited to join the Johnston Community School District at this important time in its growth as a district,” said Fountain. “I look forward to working with leaders across the district to serve as a thought, strategy, and action partner in these important areas. My passion and purpose are, and always has been, to serve underrepresented communities. I look forward to establishing, implementing, restoring and sustaining systems that give ALL students, staff and the Johnston community the tools for success.”
A few of Fountain’s essential responsibilities will include leading and facilitating the district’s Equity Committee and the work of each school building’s Equity Advocates. He will coordinate the creation and implementation of a framework outlining systems and structures of opportunity, racial consciousness, cultural competence, and culturally responsive education. Along with that, Fountain will develop and provide professional learning and coaching promoting student diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for district staff and students.
Fountain will play a public role for JCSD, building, developing, and maintaining strong relationships with staff, parents, elected officials, community partners, faith leaders and businesses in support of the school community. He will collaborate with various stakeholders to identify, assess, and create action plans to address institutional biases in district programs, practices and policies and their associated impacts on underserved/underrepresented communities.
“Mr. Fountain is bringing a rich set of skills, relationships, and experiences to our district,” said Superintendent Laura Kacer. “He is passionate about equity and inclusion and we are excited to have him here in Johnston to do this important and needed work.”
Most recently, Fountain worked for Des Moines Public Schools as a Community Schools Coordinator. In this role, he built and maintained relationships between the school and community to support the needs of students and families. He was a member of the district-wide anti-racism team and facilitated conversations and presentations on anti-racism to the school community.
He has also worked as a Child-Parent advocate and Trans-racial adoption coach at Bethany Christian Services; a social worker and investigator with the Iowa Department of Human Services; a teen program director with the YMCA of Greater Des Moines, and a Youth Service Worker for Polk Co. Youth Services.
He has been a vibrant part of the Des Moines community as a volunteer, change leader, and mentor. Much of his civic service focuses on youth at the middle and high school level, bettering their lives through conversation, goal-setting, and community events.
Fountain holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Grand View University (Des Moines.) He is a member of the 2020-21 Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute. Fountain holds notable certifications as a Strong African American Families instructor; Quenching the Fathers Thirst instructor; and Coach Diversity facilitator.
Fountain’s appointment as the Director of Equity, Inclusion & Belonging is expected to be approved at the May 3 board meeting.