System staff members and administrators work closely with the Vice President of Community Development at the Chamber of Commerce to strengthen existing partnerships and to develop new ones. Afterschool care is available at all of the elementary schools. The program, separate from the school's extended day offerings, is administered by Asheville Parks and Recreation. In 1996, two hundred and twelve children were enrolled in the Afterschool Program. The program provides supervised enrichment and recreational activities.
Volunteers are a valuable resource for school districts.
They provide a variety of services to the schools. They tutor students, help in school offices, sponsor clubs, serve on school system task forces, work with PTA and PTO organizations, and assist with special programs in the schools. In 1995-1996, volunteers contributed more than 16,000 hours to Asheville City Schools. The Board of Education is committed to parental and community involvement in the school programs and to utilization of the school facilities for meetings, gatherings, and athletic events when they are not in use by the students. The Community Schools Program provides greater community involvement in the schools, encourages greater community use of public schools facilities, and provides communication between the staff and faculty of the Asheville City Schools, other community agencies and institutions, and the general public.