Why It Matters
Sometimes, the most powerful form of support is simply being there. A mayor’s presence in schools – reading to students, attending events, mentoring youth – helps build trust, foster community connection, and signals that education is a civic priority. This visibility opens doors for collaboration and relationship-building between city leaders and education stakeholders.
How Mayors Contribute
Mayors can establish recurring traditions like reading weeks or school tours and offer themselves as speakers, mentors, or volunteers. Their example can inspire other civic leaders and residents to get involved, contributing to a broader culture of community support for schools.
How to Get Started
- Set up regular meetings with school superintendents to create and maintain a strong partnership.
- Coordinate with local school principals to schedule school visits, reading days, or lunchroom pop-ins with the mayor.
- Develop a recurring event series such as “Reading with the Mayor” or a “Mayor for a Day” job shadowing experience.
- Track and share the mayor’s school engagements on social media, city newsletters, and with local media.
- Provide volunteer hours for city staff to participate in school events or programs such as reading buddies or mentoring.
Tips for Ongoing Success
- Be Consistent: Maintain a regular cadence of school visits or community events in order to build trust.
- Celebrate Others: Use the mayor’s platform to spotlight teachers, volunteers, and student leaders.
- Listen and Learn: Treat school visits as a listening tour, gathering insights to inform broader policy or partnership work.
- Expand the Circle: Encourage other city staff and community leaders to join school activities, creating a broader civic presence.
City Example
Warren City, MI | Population 139,000
Through regular school visits and public storytelling, Mayor Stone has become a recognizable, supportive figure for youth. She also fundraised to designate Warren City as a Promise Zone, giving students access to additional college aid.
Mayor Stone has made a lasting impact on education in Warren City by maintaining a consistent, visible presence in schools and advocating for postsecondary access. Each March, she visits classrooms across all six school districts to participate in National Reading Month, helping foster connections with students and teachers. Her involvement continues year-round through frequent invitations to speak at graduations and career days, where she shares career advice and personal insights.
Understanding the financial barriers many students face, Mayor Stone also played a key role in securing Warren City’s designation as a Promise Zone, one of just 15 in the state. This status provides eligible students with additional financial aid for college expenses such as tuition, books, transportation, and housing. Her fundraising and advocacy efforts have expanded access to higher education for many local students, making a tangible difference in their futures.
Mayor Stone’s approach reflects a broader belief that city leaders can play a meaningful role in students’ lives, not only through policy, but through presence, partnership, and persistent advocacy. By showing up, building relationships, and leveraging city resources, she has helped open doors for students and built trust between City Hall and the classroom.