This week, September 14-20, the School District of Lancaster proudly celebrates Community School Directors Appreciation Week. Across the country, thousands of schools have embraced the Community School model, but here in Lancaster, we have seen how powerful it can be when students, families, and neighbors are connected to the resources they need to thrive.
A Community School is a hub where strong instruction is paired with health care, social-emotional supports, family engagement, and enrichment opportunities that extend beyond the school day. At their core, Community Schools reflect the belief that every child deserves not only a quality education but also a supportive environment where the whole child is nurtured.
At SDoL, we are fortunate to have seven Community Schools that embody this model:
-
Burrowes Elementary – Director: Alex Rohrer | Lead Agency: Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster
-
Carter & MacRae Elementary – Diretor: Shane Howell | Lead Agency: Lancaster Recreation Commission
-
King Elementary – Director: Tabitha Benitez | Lead Agency: Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster
-
Lafayette Elementary – Director: Willetta Calvin | Lead Agency: Bright Side Opportunities Center
-
Price Elementary – Director: Bianca Cordova | Lead Agency: Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster
-
Washington Elementary – Director: Erin Walker | Lead Agency: Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster
-
Lincoln Middle School – Director: Lakisha Lukes | Lead Agency: The Mix
Each of these schools becomes a center of the neighborhood, offering access to health services, mentoring, adult education, afterschool and summer programming, and a welcoming space where families know they belong. But the success of this approach rests on the shoulders of our Community School Directors.
Community School Directors are not simply program managers. They are strategic leaders and thought partners who work hand-in-hand with principals to align academic and social-emotional priorities with community resources. They create the infrastructure of partnerships that make the model sustainable, connecting with local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, businesses, colleges, and volunteers who bring their time, expertise, and care into the school setting.
Every day looks different. A Director may be helping a student secure clothing or arranging transportation for a medical appointment. Another day, they may be cultivating new partnerships, leading a planning session with school staff, or organizing enrichment activities after school or during the summer. They also step beyond the school walls, making home visits, building trust with families, and ensuring that what happens in the classroom is supported at home and in the community.
What makes their work exceptional is how seamlessly they weave together academic support, health, family engagement, enrichment, and community partnerships into a network of care that holds students and families with dignity. They embody the values that make Community Schools thrive:
-
Strong instruction tailored to the needs of each student.
-
Robust engagement with families and communities to ensure schools are welcoming and inclusive.
-
Continuous improvement grounded in data and focused on results.
The impact of Community School Directors is far-reaching. Their work helps improve attendance, reduce suspensions, strengthen parent engagement, and create healthier communities where learning can flourish.
This week, we pause to recognize the leadership of our Community School Directors. Their efforts may not always be visible, but they are always transformative.
To Alex, Shane, Tabitha, Willetta, Bianca, Erin, and Lakisha, thank you. Thank you for every partnership you’ve built, every family you’ve supported, and every student you’ve lifted up. Thank you for believing that our schools are stronger when they are rooted in community, and for making that vision real every day.
Our schools are better because of your leadership, and our community is stronger because of your commitment.
At the School District of Lancaster, we are proud to celebrate you this week, and every week, for the incredible work you do to ensure our students have the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.