When Hogan asked him what his job was, the young policeman said that he wanted to make friends with each of the kids in the school. Hogan said that if Vermont educators could keep in mind the young Dutch policeman's math equation, they'd see they have the potential to do good in the lives of most of the members of their communities. Today we are on the brink of developing new social institutions. Dryfoos addressed people representing Molly Stark and Pownal Elementary schools plus more than 100 educators, school board members, child welfare advocates, parents, health workers and community representatives and legislators at the Statehouse. They gathered for a day-long conference on integrated schools hosted by Lt. Gov. Douglas Racine.
Funding often comes through state, federal and private grants.
Schools have been isolated too long, said Martin Blank, community collaboration director for the Washington, D.C. Institute of Educational Leadership. There needs to be a fundamental shift in relationships. That means an extensive partnership with other organizations, colleges and the community, he said. Leadership could come from local clubs, PTA's school principals, town officials, or anyone who was willing to get involved, she said. For instance, a police department in South Carolina started to run a community center in the local school, bringing students and police together in an informal setting, said Dryfoos.