Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1491904
build community schools that support the identified needs of their students and community. During this first round of grants, local associations are gener- ally encountering three distinct reactions from school districts: interested and willing to plan collaboratively with educators and stakeholders; interested but unwilling to work collaboratively; or uninformed and/or reluctant to apply. While each of these require a different response from locals in working toward the inclusive and collaborative planning needed to build community schools, the end goal is the negotiation of an agreement with the district outlining the shared governance structure for each community school. A strong partnership between educators, parents, commu- nity and the school district are all vital pieces to a successful community school, but the lack of a collaborative relationship with district management doesn't mean the community school effort grinds to a halt. Local associations are organizing in their communities, building relationships with parents, neighbor- hood groups and other organizations, and continuing necessary work to build community schools. CTA and NEA have been at the forefront of efforts to build community schools, providing resources and guidance to edu- cators and local associations as they embark on this important work. And now, CTA leaders and staff have developed a five-step path to help locals build member and community support. Here are the steps to building successful community schools, as illustrated through the journeys of five local associations. When FSUTA President Nancy Dunn first heard about community schools, it sounded a lot like the work Fairfield-Suisun educators were doing to build relationships in their community and capacity in their local. FSUTA applied and was selected for NEA's commu- nity schools cohort in 2021, also receiving a $75,000 NEA grant. Dunn says that the district's superintendent is not interested in collaborative leadership, so FSUTA is focusing on building internal capacity, identifying new leaders, and developing STEP 1: BUILD CHAPTER LEADER SUPPORT Fairfield Suisun Unified Teachers Association (FSUTA) Members: 1,048 Nancy Dunn, president Audrey Jacques, organizing chair 1 Success FIVE STEPS TO 17 F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 2 3