Such meetings help to foster community ownership of education strategies, crucial to any school district's efforts to raise student achievement. A successful education summit will require the involvement of a cross-section of the community. The findings were discussed at a community summit, which gathered business leaders, elected officials, parents, concerned citizens, educators, and district leaders. Increase the quantity and quality of information. Providing accurate, jargon-free information is crucial to increasing individuals' willingness to support their school district's reform agenda.
Local organizations can assist districts in developing guides that explain the school budget.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Education Foundation produces a guide to understanding the school budget, which has helped galvanize support for increased school spending. In Providence, R.I., the Providence Blueprint for Education, a nationally recognized change effort led by the Providence Public Education Fund, has developed school progress reports for 13 schools, readable 30-page reports that present detailed information on demographics and performance. Organize community campaigns to increase voter turnout in school board elections. To increase the paltry 10 percent of citizens who vote in school board elections, communities and districts can organize campaigns to mobilize voters. Your Mark on the Board campaigns in coordination with the Charlotte Observer.