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Strengthening Schools Through Community Engagement

Leo Migdal
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strengthening schools through community engagement

About 50 years of research has revealed the striking benefits of schools actively partnering with families to improve their children’s learning. For some educators though, it was not until COVID-19 blew the doors off their schools and the walls off their classrooms that the penny dropped, as Sonja Santelises, CEO the Baltimore public schools and... “During the pandemic, educators realized that families knew a lot more about teaching and learning than they had given them credit for,” especially when it came to understanding the needs of their own children,... She recently shared some of Santelises’ insights and many of her own during a virtual event about effective family and community engagement, hosted by the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s EdRedesign Lab. “Now, a lot of educators want to know more about how to engage families because of the lessons that they learned during COVID,” Mapp added. Mapp, a renowned family engagement specialist who said she has encountered a fair share of resistance to her ideas over the years, makes a strong case for them in the new book Everyone Wins!

The Evidence for Family-School Partnerships & Implications for Practice. She and co-authors Anne Henderson, Stephany Cuevas, Martha Franco, and Suzanna Ewert dive into the latest research and drill down on the same question that senior citizen Clara Peller asked in the infamous 1984... As the title of Mapp’s book suggests, the answer is everyone: "This is love-work, [you must] love fully the families and the children and communities you serve." Community engagement drives collaboration, fosters transparency, and unites school communities around shared goals. When families, staff members, students, and even members of the broader community are given opportunities to share their feedback, district and school leaders gain valuable insights that lead to more comprehensive and informed decision-making.

This inclusiveness often leads to policies and practices that better address the needs of the entire district community, which in turn enhances the quality of education and creates an equitable learning environment. According to the National School Boards Association (2024), schools that actively engage with their community report improved academic outcomes and stronger community connections as they work collectively toward shared goals. Moreover, when community feedback is reflected in district actions, trust in leadership grows, resulting in stronger community relationships and heightened support for educational initiatives. Districts can encourage and strengthen community involvement through a variety of methods including surveys, focus groups, town hall-style listening sessions, online communication channels, and even advisory councils. These approaches allow districts to gather diverse perspectives from their communities, ensuring everyone has a voice in shaping decisions. Superintendents aren’t just leading schools—they’re building communities.

The earlier you start engaging in regular, consistent, two-way conversation with stakeholders, the stronger your foundation will be. Schools cannot thrive alone. They exist in partnership with their communities, woven together by a shared mission to help students succeed. When a district creates authentic opportunities for the public to learn, question, and participate, it builds trust and a sense of shared purpose. Decades of research confirm that engaged families and community members improve student outcomes, strengthen attendance, and boost motivation (Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2023). A strong school-community relationship also leads to greater public confidence in the district’s leadership, especially during challenging decisions.

“Engaging the community was a fundamental part of my role as a superintendent,” Ron Wilke, retired Minnesota superintendent and strategic consultant with DehlerPR, shared. “It’s about bringing together all stakeholders—parents, staff, students, and community members—to build a shared mission and vision.” Community engagement means actively involving community members—parents, students, staff, and neighbors—in meaningful dialogue and shared decision-making that strengthens schools. It goes far beyond newsletters or one-time surveys. It is a two-way conversation—a culture of participation built over time. Creating equitable, high-performing, and safe schools today requires a leader willing to overcome adversity, stay persistent, and take smart risks.

Tom Szczesny is principal at Powderhorn Elementary in Dakota Ridge, Colorado. Previously, he worked for 14 years in the School District of Philadelphia across a range of roles, including teacher, researcher, teacher coach, and principal. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Penn’s Graduate School of Education. In the realm of education, the significance of community engagement cannot be overstated. Strong partnerships between schools and their surrounding communities enhance educational experiences, provide essential support systems, and foster a sense of belonging and pride among students. During the summer months and beyond, these connections can be particularly vital in keeping the momentum of learning and development.

This article explores practical ways schools can strengthen ties with local communities through service projects, workshops, and collaborative events. Community engagement offers a dual benefit: it enriches the educational environment and bolsters the community’s overall health. Schools that actively engage with their local areas see improvements in student motivation, better attendance rates, and higher academic achievement. For the community, the benefits include a better-trained workforce, reduced youth delinquency, and a more vibrant local culture. Community service projects are a powerful way for students to apply their learning in real-world settings, while also giving back to their community. Education is most effective when it involves parents or guardians.

Schools can host workshops that not only keep parents informed about educational strategies and their children’s progress but also equip them with skills to assist learning at home. Building relationships with local businesses and organizations can provide schools with additional resources and opportunities for student engagement. By actively involving parents, caregivers, and community members in the educational process, schools can create a supportive and collaborative environment that enhances student learning and overall school performance. Through partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders, schools can provide students with real-world learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, and access to resources that enrich their educational journey. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility for student success and encourages active participation in school activities and decision-making processes. Breaking barriers to education ensures that every student, regardless of their background or circumstances, has equal access to quality education.

Through community engagement initiatives, schools can identify and address the specific needs and challenges faced by students who may be marginalized or disadvantaged. By working closely with community organizations, policymakers, and families, schools can implement inclusive practices, provide necessary support services, and create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. This collaborative approach helps promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in education, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. When schools actively involve the community in educational initiatives, students benefit from a wide range of resources, support, and opportunities. By engaging parents, caregivers, and community members, schools can create a strong support system that nurtures student growth and development. Community engagement enhances student motivation, engagement, and overall academic achievement.

Through partnerships with local organizations, schools can provide students with mentorship programs, internship opportunities, and access to extracurricular activities that complement their academic pursuits. This collaborative approach empowers students to reach their full potential and prepares them for future success in their personal and professional lives. It allows them to establish stronger relationships with students and their families, leading to better communication and collaboration. By involving the community in school activities, teachers can gain valuable insights and support from parents and community members, which can enhance their teaching strategies and improve student outcomes. Additionally, community engagement offers teachers opportunities for professional development through partnerships with local organizations and businesses. This collaboration can provide resources, expertise, and innovative ideas that can enrich classroom instruction and create more engaging learning experiences for students.

It fosters a sense of belonging and connection to their school community, creating a positive and supportive environment for learning. When students feel connected and valued, they are more motivated to actively participate in their education and strive for academic success. Community engagement also exposes students to diverse perspectives and experiences, promoting tolerance and empathy. Through community partnerships, students can access additional resources, such as mentoring programs, internships, and extracurricular activities, which can enhance their personal and academic development. Furthermore, community involvement provides students with real-world learning opportunities, enabling them to apply their knowledge and skills in practical settings.

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