Coalition for Community Schools / January, 2014
Organized in 1998, the Coalition for Community Schools is now at the heart of a burgeoning network of school districts, communities and leaders dedicated to the principle that schools and communities must work in purposeful and sustained partnership to improve results for students, and to strengthen families and communities. A “top ten” list below offers a summary of our most compelling developments in 2013. Going into 2014, we are excited about the commitment from our over 200 partners and community school leaders on the ground who demonstrate that the community schools strategy harnesses the collective efforts of a community to provide students the full range of services and opportunities they need and deserve to thrive in school and in life.
2013 Top Ten Highlights
1. The number of community school initiatives across the country continues to grow, and our network strengthens: In 2013, we grew to 88 communities across the country that are implementing a community school strategy, versus 33 communities in 2007. Newer
additions include: Detroit, MI; Pasadena, CA; Richmond, CA; New Haven, CT; and
Washington, DC. The Coalition worked with community school leaders in California,
Florida and Massachusetts to bring together people from across the state to scale up and
strengthen the community schools strategy statewide.
2. States charging ahead in legislation and funding to support community schools: 2013
saw 2 states approve funding for community schools (New York and D.C.); 2 states pass
legislation explicitly recommending the community school strategy (Connecticut and New
Mexico); and several states develop initiatives to build capacity for a dramatic expansion of community schools in those states (Maryland, West Virginia, Michigan, and California).
3. Cincinnati draws attention as a premier model from the Coalition and The New York
Times: In 2013, Cincinnati’s Community Learning Centers (CLCs) were recognized by the
Coalition’s National Awards for Excellence as one of two outstanding community school
initiatives (along with Hartford, CT) for its exemplary results and growth. The CLCs also
welcomed several NYC mayoral candidates interested in expanding community schoolsincluding newly elected Mayor Bill de Blasio (and his competitors) and gained coverage from The New York Times, further elevating Cincinnati’s recognition. Cincinnati’s achievements led the Coalition to bring its national forum there April 9-11, 2014.