Public schools are not islands. They operate within communities of families, businesses, services, and individuals who all share an interest in the preparation of their younger citizens. Schools that have the support of their stakeholders have a powerful advantage in carrying out their mission. We feature in these pages stories about communities that are involved in making their public schools safe and academically rich places where students can soar.

Community engagement, Colorado Style 
Teenage pregnancy, closed schools, and gaps in student achievement can be touchy subjects, but with support from the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB), several Colorado school districts have tackled them head on.

Related story:
Small groups produce big changes in Westminster, Colo.

Learning what counts in Maryland
"Kitchen table" conversations prompt citizen involvement in Maryland school districts as part of "What Counts?", a collaborative effort of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education and local boards of education.

Related story:
Kitchen table conversations in Caroline County, Md.

Study circles make a difference in Arkansas
Arkansas school boards use study circles to bring communities together to discuss important and sometimes contentious issues and come to consensus for action.

Related stories:
Rallying support for higher taxes in Malvern, Ark.

Study circles as a framework for community involvement

Organizations with information on study circles

From battle ground to common ground in Washington State
A non-adversarial approach to decision-making with its roots in the Harvard University Negotiation Team, helped the Battle Ground School District in Washington State boost student achievement, graduation rates, and parent satisfaction while reducing discipline problems and teacher turnover.