In addition to the primary responsibility of school districts to provide high quality teaching and learning, schools are increasingly being called on to help create and sustain active, healthy communities and vibrant neighborhoods.
These new demands suggest a need to examine the relationship between public schools and their community and the need for new policies to guide the school-community relationship. With new policies and practices, public school facilities can become more vibrant public spaces where public education is the primary—but not only—user.
Across the country, school districts are increasing the utilization of their buildings and grounds by extending access to non-school users, particularly during non-school hours. Consequently, both public and private parties are Increasingly exploring the possibility of joint development of school buildings and grounds.
