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After seeing community satisfaction in its schools increase along with student performance, the San Jose Unified School District is reaping monetary rewards from its public-engagement model.
The district was awarded the grand prize--$3,500 in scholarship monies--in this year's Magna Awards program.
The program is sponsored by the American School Board Journal. The awards recognize school districts across the country for programs that advance student learning and encourage community involvement in the schools.
This advancement has been slow but steady for the district. Ten years ago, the district's board was faced with growing mistrust among its students, faculty and parents following strikes, bankruptcy and leadership changes. In response, the board began developing a model to enhance its ability to listen and respond to community priorities.
Through a program that includes annual community conversations and school-climate surveys, the district has increased satisfaction among its parents, students and staff by 5 percent to 10 percent over the last decade. It has also increased its number of California Distinguished and National Blue Ribbon schools.
The district efforts will be highlighted along with this year's other Magna award-winners in the April issue of the American School Board Journal. Winning school districts will be feted at an April 10 luncheon in Chicago.
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