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City Platform Section I, Step 2:
"Promote effective city-school collaboration through regular meetings between the mayor and/or city council, school board, and school superintendent that focus on shared priorities and the development of joint plans of action."
Successful schools contribute to the quality of life, bolster economic development, and lead to a stronger citizenry. Collaborative efforts to improve public schools can tap the unique strengths of municipal and school district leaders, improve efficiency, and improve factors outside of the school's direct control that impact education, such as community safety, early childhood education, and afterschool programming.
City Examples
Claremont, Calif.
The City of Claremont and the Claremont Unified School District have forged a comprehensive partnership that includes joint meetings between the city council and school board, joint-use agreements, the development of a youth master plan, and the management of a Teen Activity Center.
On an informal basis since the late 1980's - and more formally since 1992 - the Claremont City Council and the Claremont School Board have held joint public meetings twice a year to discuss matters of mutual concern. The initial meeting was driven by a financial crisis and set out to determine how they could collaborate to better manage their resources.
In addition, the mayor, mayor pro tem, city manager, superintendent, school board president, and board vice president hold "six-pack" meetings on a quarterly basis to continue discussion on the conversations generated at the joint-session meetings and to address issues that arise in the interim period. A number of projects have been generated as a result of these meetings, among them a youth master plan to which both bodies committed resources and joint-use agreements on facilities and school vehicles.
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Tukwila, Wash.
Recognizing their shared interest in responding positively to the growing diversity in the community, the City and School District of Tukwila, Wash., joined together to form the Tukwila Equity and Diversity Commission. Its goals are to
- Promote understanding that accepts, celebrates, and appreciates cultural diversity within the community;
- Serve as a resource for the community by providing information and educational forums that will facilitate a better understanding and acceptance of cultural differences; and
- Provide recommendations to the mayor, city council, and school board on new ways to address cultural diversity issues and promote cultural diversity programs.
The Commission is made up of nine members: three members represent the city, including a member of city council; three members represent the school district (either district employees or school board members); and three members represent the community, two of whom may be representatives of the business community. The group meets once a month and focuses on long-range planning and the offering of support services for its immigrant population. The Commission also advises city and school officials on opportunities to promote understanding and acceptance of cultural diversity in the Tukwila community.
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Resources
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