From the Back Gate to the Front Office: Leading Schools as Communities
Opening the Gate: A Morning in Brooklyn
It’s 6:00 a.m. in Brooklyn, and the city is still cloaked in darkness as I pull into the back lot of our school. The twelve-foot wrought-iron gate stands between the quiet street and the world inside—a world that, each day, comes alive with students, staff, and families. As I approach the gate to unlock the padlock, I notice a familiar unhoused woman leaning against it.
“Good morning,” I say. “It’s going to be a hot one today. Do you have water?”
She nods, and I gently remind her, “Cars and kids will be coming through soon.” With a quiet “Thank you,” she gathers her things and moves along.
This interaction is not just about safety or routine. It illustrates the reality that school administrators are responsible for building relationships and ensuring the well-being of everyone in their community. Decisions made in these early hours ripple through the day and the broader school ecosystem.
Schools as Ecosystems: The Web of Relationships
Understanding the School as a Community
A school is far more than a building where learning takes place. It is a dynamic ecosystem, with relationships and interdependencies that mirror those of a small town. The success and sustainability of a school depend on the strength and health of these connections.
The Impact of Stakeholder Relationships
Data from the NYC DOE and national studies consistently show that schools with robust stakeholder engagement—across students, families, staff, and community partners—see higher attendance, improved academic performance, and stronger school climates. For example, schools with active parent and community involvement have reported up to 15% higher attendance rates and notable gains in student achievement.
Building Relationships with Stakeholders: Best Practices
Engaging Students
Foster trust and open communication through regular check-ins, advisory periods, and student voice initiatives.
Create opportunities for student leadership in school governance, clubs, and peer mentoring programs.
Partnering with Parents and Families
Host regular family engagement events such as open houses, workshops, or virtual coffee hours to keep families informed and involved.
Communicate in multiple languages and formats to ensure all families have access to important information.
Establish feedback channels for families to share concerns and suggestions.
Collaborating with District and City Agencies
Develop strong lines of communication with district and city officials to advocate for resources and support services.
Stay informed about policy changes and funding opportunities that can benefit the school community.
Coordinate with city agencies to address issues such as building maintenance, student health, and safety.
Building Community Partnerships
Partner with local businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to provide wrap-around services, such as after-school programs, food pantries, or health clinics.
Invite community partners to participate in school events and recognize their contributions publicly.
Leverage community expertise for enrichment activities, career days, and mentorship programs.
Supporting Staff and Internal Teams
Hold regular meetings with support teams (counselors, social workers, paraprofessionals) to coordinate interventions and share updates.
Provide professional development focused on relationship-building and trauma-informed practices.
Encourage collaboration among staff to foster a positive and supportive work environment.
Action Steps for Sustainable Relationship-Building
Be Present and Approachable
Greet students and families at arrival and dismissal.
Attend community events and make yourself visible in the neighborhood.
Communicate Transparently and Frequently
Use newsletters, social media, and school websites to share updates.
Offer information in families’ home languages and accessible formats.
Listen and Respond to Stakeholder Input
Hold listening sessions or town halls with students, families, and staff.
Follow up on feedback and communicate actions taken.
Foster Meaningful Partnerships
Identify potential partners and reach out proactively.
Collaborate on shared goals and celebrate successes together.
Advocate for Your Community
Build relationships with policymakers and advocate for necessary resources.
Stay engaged with district and city initiatives that impact your school.
Lead with Compassion and Consistency
Approach challenges with empathy and fairness.
Set clear expectations for safety and conduct, and model respectful behavior.
Open the Gate—Lead the Way
Every decision we make as school leaders either opens or closes a gate in our community. The true measure of our leadership is not just in the policies we enforce or the routines we maintain, but in the relationships we nurture and the trust we build. Our schools thrive when we step beyond our offices, engage with every stakeholder, and take bold, proactive steps to unite our ecosystem. Let’s challenge ourselves—and each other—to be more than managers. The future of our schools (and any agency or business) depends on the connections we forge today.
Open the gate. Welcome everyone in. Lead the way toward a stronger, more resilient community—one relationship at a time.
Sources
Epstein, Joyce L. School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Preparing Educators and Improving Schools. 2nd ed. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 2011.
New York City Department of Education. “Family and Community Engagement.” Accessed July 4, 2025. https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/support/family-and-community-engagement.
New York City Department of Education. “School Quality Reports: 2022-2023 Results.” Accessed July 4, 2025. https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/reports/school-quality.
Warren, Mark R., Karen L. Mapp, and the Community Organizing and School Reform Project. A Match on Dry Grass: Community Organizing as a Catalyst for School Reform. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011.