Like many people, I was initially shocked, disappointed and even angered at the news that almost $1 billion was going to be cut from Wisconsin's education system. Isn't it hypocritical to argue that investing in our future is important, and then turn around and drastically reduce resources for schools?
As a school leader, aren't you sick of somebody offering you a budget only then to find you must cut good teachers, services for children with special needs, professional development for your staff and even the light bulb needed for your Interactive Smartboard to engage your students in the classroom? No wonder schools feel helpless.
After my initial reaction to the news about the budget, I realized that this in fact is a real opportunity to foster a new mindset about how WE can build the BEST education system in the world. When our politicians have failed at providing any leadership on budget policy we can kiss goodbye any notion of obtaining government funding for our schools. If we want better schools and a better education system for our children, we must attract the funding from somewhere else.
So who is responsible?
There's a realignment going on right now, and it's time we embrace it. Schools are now responsible for their own long-term sustainability. While this may seem like a steep expectation for an already stressed system, it is necessary if you don't want others dictating your school's budget. When schools are 100% dependent on government dollars for their existence, they are in a very vulnerable position. They're not in control of their future.
Do you believe me when I say there's plenty of money out there? The solution to this predicament is not a question of money. Schools need to know how to attract resources.
Attracting resources does not mean fund-raising though.
My team at alinea believes that the formula for sustainability for schools comes down to effective community engagement, which in no way means just pushing information and requests for money out into the community. Community engagement really is all about inviting and welcoming the community in, which may seem very scary for some schools. So what's the formula for effective community engagement?
Story + Direction + Relationships
Story - Your story must inspire people to want to help. It should be compelling and concise so that it is consistently told by lots of people who act as your ambassadors. Your story must also be driven by a vision of what the future looks like because of your school. What will be the future of the child who attends your school's program?
Direction - You must be able to articulate clear and measurable goals that will drive you to your vision. Your staff, families, board members and volunteers must be able to answer the question, "What does your school need and how can people help?"
Relationships – The first step to fostering strategic relationships is reaching out and inviting people in to witness your mission. By this, I don't mean taking people on a tour of your school and pointing out the obvious (here's our cafeteria, here's our music room.) You need to develop a compelling tour so people may experience what's unique and special about your school. The next step then is to be strategic about how you develop a relationship with each of these individuals over time.
If you implement this formula you will attract the right resources. Implementing this process will not be easy, but it will enable schools to survive and thrive in the future.
I'd love to know what you think. Do you agree? Do you have a vision for your school? How has the latest budget affected your school and what challenges do you think you will face as you strive to achieve your vision?
