O
ne of the Partnership's priorities has always been to create a positive learning experience by encouraging community involvement in education.
Two important ways we have facilitated community involvement are:
Welcoming Schools
Because the climate of a school sets the stage for high levels of learning, the Partnership honored "welcoming" schools annually from 1995-1998. Schools submitted nomination materials, and 10 schools were chosen each year for recognition at the Partnership's annual meeting. More than 350 Kentucky schools applied for recognition. During 1997 alone, 30 presentations were made to statewide audiences about the program.
School Board Work
In collaboration with the Kentucky Schools Boards Association (KSBA) and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Partnership directed a study to discover what factors people with demonstrated leadership potential have in mind when they consider the possibility of running for a local school board.
The intent of the study was to equip KSBA, the Partnership and the Chamber with the necessary information to develop and carry out strategies that will encourage strong leaders in Kentucky to run for and serve on school boards.
This exploratory study was conducted by Roberts & Kay, Inc. in September 1997. To augment the focus group results, Roberts & Kay conducted a series of in-depth interviews with current and past school board members.
The resulting document, Difficult Ground: Community Leaders and School Board Service in Kentucky (72 KB, pdf), details the study's findings and provides strategies for changing the recruitment and election processes to attract the participation of greater numbers of skilled community leaders. Strategies for how to run for a school board position are also a part of this publication.
A three-page summary (24 KB, pdf) of Difficult Ground is also available.
