Ohio has pledged $23 billion as part of its "Rebuilding Ohio Schools" initiative to transform Ohio's aging and ineffective school facilities. The renovation is an opportunity for communities to not only modernize school facilities, but to design a school that reflects the needs and aspirations of community members.

Engaging communities in the school design process puts co-ownership of the public schools back in the hands of community members. The community engagement process can enable schools and community organizations to share vital resources, help ensure long-term economic growth, help secure long-term community support, and offer students unparalleled learning opportunities.

Often, the failure of schools and communities to plan collaboratively leads to missed opportunities. For instance, a school district wants a new gymnasium in their school, but worries about the cost, while meanwhile the YMCA down the street is renovating its facility. If the two pooled their resources, the fitness center could benefit all community members.

Students can also benefit from smart community development. A school built near local businesses and cultural centers, for instance, can provide unparalleled off-site learning opportunities, while an on-site health clinic can give disadvantaged students and community members the basic services they need to thrive.

Schools that are open only from 7 A.M. to 3 P.M., and are not open for community use after hours, lose an opportunity to secure community loyalty by responding to community interests and needs. Schools as centers of community that offer on-site continuing education courses, or entertainment facilities in the evenings, may be seen as invaluable even to community members who do not have school-age children.

Learn more about Community Engagement.

Our Foundation's Schools as Centers of Community initiative consults with Ohio school districts to help them plan and design schools that deeply involve their community members, and, as a result, become community hubs.