The advisory board for the project consists of board members and superintendents from districts that have been successful in garnering the support of business and the extended school community. School board members, whether elected or appointed, are the representatives of the community. They articulate the community s concerns, advocate for children, and educate the community about the importance of public education. Gresser is meeting with board members, superintendents, university faculty and school reform experts to develop a model program that will emphasize improved student achievement through the involvement of the community. Urban schools will find it difficult to help students achieve new or higher standards unless they are able to draw on business and community resources.
School boards are critical in making that connection.
One of the challenges school boards face is the fact that only 25 percent of the population has school-age children. Board members need to draw in the other 75 percent of the community to support the schools parents whose children are no longer in the schools, seniors, business people. The new program will emphasize communication among parents, teachers, community residents, business and political leaders and directors of community and cultural organizations. People have to understand that everybody wins when the school system works. With a good school system, she added, an area can attract new people to move into the neighborhood.