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