First as a student, then a teacher and most recently the Community Partnership School director, Evans High School ● A Community Partnership School has always been a second home to me.

Now seems like an appropriate time to reflect on the tremendous improvements Evans has experienced in the 5 years since becoming a Community Partnership School. What was once considered to be a FFF drop-out factory is now the standout example of success. Now a “C” school, Evans’ graduation rate has increased from 64% to 88%, and the safety has improved in both the school and the surrounding community.

The Orange County Sherriff’s Office reported a drop in the number of calls for fights and battery within a one-mile radius of Evans over the last two years. Officers were called 80 times less during that time period, resulting in a savings of approximately $42,480 to taxpayers. (The average call for service from OSCO is approximately $531.)

Our students and faculty members are safer. Our community is safer. We create the bridge – a two-way bridge – between the school, community, and the myriad of services available to students and their families. Through community partnership schools, students receive the support they need: services and solutions integrated within the school that help alleviate their burdens. As more weight is lifted, students find the balance they need to focus on learning, to focus on their futures and to realize their full potential.

At Evans and our eight other community partnership schools, we’re turning odds into opportunities and changing children’s lives. We’re changing the statistics.

Most importantly, we’re changing futures.

Research has shown that the income potential for students who graduate from community partnership schools increases by more than $10,000 annually. At Evans High School, this means more than $1.6 million in additional income annually. Additionally, the societal costs are reduced by $292,000 per graduate (over their lifetime). For Evans High School, this translates to $43.8 million in avoided costs to society and taxpayers.

Community Partnership Schools are opening doors to new opportunities so that Florida’s children, families and communities can realize their full potential.