Although full service schools differ widely in the menu of programs offered, there are some common conditions for success. Schools must have the authority to enter into the partnerships required to offer the services needed. This includes budget control, the ability to contract for services, hire staff, dedicate building space, flexibility in maintenance and security arrangements to permit the school to operate around the clock. Dispensation from some collective agreement work rules and district policies may be required. If parent volunteers are to be used in a program, for example, there must be assurances the union will not grieve their participation.
Strong leadership is essential.
That leader is often the principal, although in other cases it is the project coordinator. The position requires vision, staying power, entrepreneurialship, and the ability to coordinate diverse groups and resources and build a common sense of purpose. Appropriate governance structures must be in place. The full service school is a highly complex organization, requiring the development of joint action plans and coordination and monitoring of many separate program components. It must allow for overall planning and oversight and implementation committees whose roles and responsibilities are carefully delineated.