Austin Voices, along with city, county, AISD, campus, nonprofit and community partners have developed a plan to bring the equity-focused Community School Model to schools across Austin’s Eastern Crescent. The goal is to work with parents, teachers, students and community to develop thriving community schools in 75% of Title 1 campuses by 2030.
What are community schools? They are schools that are planned by those closest to the students and the community, including teachers, parents and community partners. They work to provide resources to support needs of students and families. They aim high, making sure that the doors are wide open for all students to be college and career ready. They have open doors to parents, partners and volunteers. They provide stable conditions for teachers and students to be at their best. They are equity-focused, making sure that all students have access to programs and enrichment opportunities, matter their situation. They are schools that reduce barriers, improve conditions and increase opportunities for learning.
Three AISD schools that were on the edge of closure (Northeast ECHS, Eastside ECHS and Webb Middle School) have experienced sustained transformation through this model. Martin Middle School, faced with dwindling enrollment because of gentrification, actually expanded its enrollment by 100 students using the community school approach. A national best practice system of family supports has been developed through Family Resource Centers. No other model, including charter schools, can equal this record in AISD.
Click here for an online version of the Campaign for the Future Strategic Plan.