My purpose today is to build additional support and maintain the momentum of the Community School Initiative in Polk County as we move closer to identifying the “pilot” school for the community.
A community school model is much more than a place for students to attend class; it is a true example of what true community partnership looks like.
A community school embraces the importance of building relationships through the hopes and dreams of the community by providing activities, services, education and engagement to help students, parents and local citizens turn their hopes into reality.
It’s not a two- or three-year program. It’s a 25-year commitment through a memorandum of understanding between the four major partners: the school district, a healthcare provider, the lead nonprofit agency and a university.
However, the most important factor of a community school is the leadership. Leadership that focuses on the whole development of the child.
Outcomes are organized into four major categories which reflect the comprehensiveness of community schools: learning and achievement; improved social behavior and healthy youth development; better family functioning and parental involvement; and enhanced community life.
Evans Community School in Orlando experienced its graduation rates increase from 65 percent to 84 percent in four years, school grade from D to B, 33 percent increase in enrollment, an increase in vocational certifications and projected savings to taxpayers of $47 million per year because of the positive outcomes.
These outcomes mean improved socioeconomic status, employability and economic development with less burden on taxpayers.
For our community and our children’s future, I ask you for your support for the Community School Initiative to prevent children from slipping through the cracks. Contact your School Board member in your district and tell them to support the Community School Initiative.
Ed Shoemaker
Co-Chairman
Community School Initiative, Polk Vision
Lakeland
