Community schools are public schools that include active family and community engagement and collaborative leadership to expand learning opportunities and wraparound services for their students. In both LA and San Diego, the community schools initiatives have centered collaborative decision-making between multiple stakeholders, including the district, teachers, students, families, administrators and local community grassroots organizations. By jettisoning the traditional top-down approach to decision making and using the on-the-ground resources and their collective knowledge, they are bringing entire communities together to support students and strengthen their schools.

The results are schools that authentically respond to their individual community’s needs, holistically support students and parents, and provide an outstanding education. Now, more than ever, as we watch the erosion of education as a public good — with the expansion of charter schools and school vouchers, and the potential shuttering of the Department of Education — we need models like community schools that strengthen public schools.

Join us to hear from three fantastic speakers:

• Dr. Kyra Greene, Executive Director, Center on Policy Initiatives
• Karla Griego, LA Unified District Board Member
• Rosa Jimenez, Former United Teachers Los Angeles member & current LA Unified District Board Staff Member
• Moderator: Philippa Rizopoulos, Partners for Dignity & Rights