VIDEO: Successful School-Based Partnerships: What Does It Take?
Opening Remarks
The convening began with opening remarks by:
• Janet Haas: Board Chair, William Penn Foundation
• Chekemma Fulmore-Townsend: Executive Director, Philadelphia Youth Network
• Pedro Rivera: Secretary of Education, Pennsylvania Department of Education
• Stacy Holland: Executive Director, Lenfest Foundation
Research Findings
Sarah Costelloe, Senior Associate from Abt Associates, presented the research findings about two partnership coordination models in Philadelphia. Then, Stacy Holland moderated a conversation about the findings. Speakers included:
• Hillary Kane: Executive Director, Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development
• Cynthia Jones: Former partnerships coordinator, Blaine Elementary
• Daniel Peou: Principal, Furness High School
• Waleska Maldonado: Chief Program Officer, Congreso de Latinos Unidos
School-Based Partnerships Tool
Sarah Costelloe presented the School-Based Partnerships Toolkit, which is a practical guide to facilitate conversations between District leaders, school leaders, teachers, and community partners. Then, a team from Houston Elementary School showed the audience what these conversations look like in action. The team included:
• LeRoy Hall: Principal, Houston Elementary School
• Linda Slodki: President and cofounder, Mt. Airy Art Garage
• Tysean Gross: School Climate Manager, Houston Elementary School
Looking Ahead
Lastly, the Houston Elementary School team was joined by local leaders to discuss ways to promote and support successful partnerships in the city. Speakers included:
• Susan Gobreski: Community Schools Director, Mayor’s Office of Education
• Vicki Ellis: Executive Director, Office of Strategic Partnerships, School District of Philadelphia
• Sarah Costelloe: Senior Associate, Abt Associates
• LeRoy Hall: Principal, Houston Elementary School
• Linda Slodki: President and cofounder, Mt. Airy Art Garage
• Tysean Gross: School Climate Manager, Houston Elementary School