Community Schools Can Revitalize the Neighborhoods Around Them
In Cincinnati, Ohio, the Oyler School’s remarkable transformation serves as a beacon of hope for struggling neighborhoods. Led by Darlene Kamine and the Community Learning Center Institute (CLCI), the school, situated in the poverty-stricken Lower Price Hill neighborhood, faced challenges due to economic decline and population loss. In 2009, 85 percent of Oyler’s students failed to make it through 10th grade, but by 2022, a graduation rate of 92.7 percent and 70 percent college enrollment marked a dramatic turnaround.
The key to this success lies in a two-pronged approach: a $21 million investment in renovating the school and the implementation of community schools. The community schools model transforms educational institutions into multifunctional hubs, fostering partnerships in education, recreation, culture, health, and civic engagement. Oyler now hosts a health clinic, a vision center, a dental clinic, and mental health counselors, and it provides meals. The partnerships are financially self-sustained, offering a holistic support system for students and their families.
The success of Oyler prompted the expansion of community schools in Cincinnati, with 44 out of 65 schools adopting this approach. The city’s school district, Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), emerged as Ohio’s top urban school district, highlighting the effectiveness of community schools in elevating educational outcomes even in challenging environments.
Beyond academic improvements, the community schools approach catalyzed broader community revitalization. Oyler House, once a dilapidated symbol of poverty and neglect, was transformed into a community center, offering meeting spaces, a food pantry, and educational classes. CLCI spearheaded housing initiatives, eliminating homelessness in their assisted schools. The ripple effect extended to job creation and overall neighborhood improvements, showcasing the potential of schools as catalysts for community development.
Similar success stories emerged in Anaheim, California, and Austin, Texas, where community schools became the driving force for positive change. These models emphasize sustained effort, involving stakeholders in decision-making and addressing community needs beyond academics. While challenges persist, the community schools approach offers a promising foundation for sustainable change, fostering stronger connections between schools and their communities.
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
