Unions have gotten involved in community schools because they are convinced that services, supports, and enrichment activities support educators inside the classroom, make the curriculum more relevant and engaging, and create conditions for learning that enable children to succeed. Educators and school staff are often best acquainted with students, families, and their needs. Union involvement gives educators a voice in the initiative. Educator input on the local community school shared leadership team is invaluable. In addition to forging strong partnerships, important decisions about scheduling, personnel, and instruction need to be made.
With the shared leadership structure of a community school, local unions get involved in community school initiatives in a myriad of ways. Union involvement ensures a culture and contracts that support community schools.
Union leaders and members often have existing relationships with noneducation allies. Union leaders and members often have access to and relationships with families, the community, community leaders, city leaders, other school district employees, public agencies, labor organizations, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education and many other potential partners.
Union leaders and members can also advocate for local and statewide policies and funding in support of community schools.