Communities in Schools presents data on out-of-school challenges faced by many kids

Panel discussion and attendees motivated to address student and family needs to help them succeed.

Approximately 150 leaders from education, philanthropy, business and social service providers came together to hear findings from several months’ work from Communities in Schools (CIS) to assess out of school needs faced by over 700 students across 11 local schools. SchoolSmartKC partnered with CIS to place a site coordinator in each of these schools (both district and charter) to assess, develop and coordinate “wrap-around” support services needed by students facing academic and non-academic barriers to achievement. Following a data rich presentation, attendees heard reactions and suggestions to eliminating these out-of-school challenges from four panelists including:

• Charlie Shields, President / CEO of Truman Medical Centers and President of the Missouri State Board of Education
• Mark Bedell, Superintendent, Kansas City Public Schools
• Gwendolyn Grant, President / CEO, Urban League of Greater Kansas City
• Robin Henderson, Principal, Kansas City Neighborhood Academy

Through the dialogue, it was evident that Kansas City stakeholders from all sectors are motivated to tackle these challenges comprehensively. Numerous suggestions and ideas were shared in the discussion, with SchoolSmartKC committing to coordinate stakeholders to support such needs in 2018.

View the CIS presentation here.