This resource guide provides information and support for schools developing partnerships with the community and for the community schools framework.

6.1. The school principal shall collaborate with the LSIC to establish, promote and maintain a safe and effective learning environment for all. It is the principal's responsibility to elevate the importance and voice of the LSIC. 6.1.a. The school's LSIC is a vital resource for connecting the school to families and the larger community. 6.1.b. The LSIC is a vehicle to activate or develop community partnerships and resources that support student learning and success.

4.1.c. Standard III: Safe and Orderly Environment. The staff places student well-being at the forefront of all decisions and provides a comprehensive support framework, including positive teacher-student relationships. The staff consistently follows an agreed upon disciplinary plan to ensure the safety of all students. 4.1.c.2. Function B: Families and Community Partnerships. The staff forms results-oriented partnerships with families and various community organizations to meet the needs of all students.

1.1. Scope. -- This procedural rule provides guidelines for the option of developing and operating community schools. Section 2 is defined by the National Coalition of Community Schools.

• 2.1. A community school is any public school which services PreK-12 students that participate in a community-based effort to coordinate and integrate services through partnerships with community-based organizations.  It is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources.  Its integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and community engagement leads to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities.  Schools become centers of the community and are open to everyone - all day, every day, evenings and weekends.
• 2.2. A community schools coordinator is the key to a community school.  The local board of education should hire or identify a community school coordinator or work with a lead partner agency to  identify or provide the coordinator.  The coordinator works to create and strengthen the relationships between the school and community to develop a continuum of community-based and integrated services.
• 2.3. The framework of a fully developed community school concept is needs driven and strives to include the following:  Engaging Instruction, Expanded Learning Opportunities, College, Career, Citizenship, Health and Social Support, Community Engagement, Early Childhood Development, Family Engagement and Youth Development Activities.  All community schools services provided in the school setting should be regular, ongoing and evidence-based or promising practices.