The School District of Lancaster is excited to announce that Carter & MacRae Elementary School has been selected as the district’s newest Community School—the seventh in our growing network of schools committed to supporting students and families beyond the classroom.
Through the Community School model, schools serve as resource hubs that provide comprehensive support, including health and wellness services, expanded learning opportunities, and strong community partnerships. This initiative is designed to remove barriers to student success and foster a more equitable learning environment.
Community Schools are an important piece of our strategic plan and falls under the area of family and community engagement, one of our five strategic focus areas. By integrating wraparound supports, we enhance student learning and reinforce the well-being of families and the surrounding neighborhood. This model has already proven to be a force for positive change in our district, and we are excited to see its impact at Carter & MacRae.
Seeking a Lead Agency to Support Carter & MacRae
To implement the Community School model at Carter & MacRae Elementary, we are now accepting proposals for a lead agency. The selected organization will be responsible for:
- Hiring a full-time Community School Director, who will be embedded in the school to coordinate and oversee all community school activities.
- Conducting needs assessments to identify challenges facing students and families, including housing instability, food insecurity, mental health services, and academic enrichment.
- Coordinating school-based support services that address social, emotional, and academic development.
- Developing meaningful partnerships with local businesses, healthcare providers, social service organizations, and community stakeholders.
- Implementing family engagement programs to strengthen relationships between the school and caregivers.
- Expanding access to after-school enrichment, tutoring, and mentorship programs.
Key RFP Details & Timeline
- RFP Issued: February 10, 2025
- Proposal Submission Deadline: Monday, March 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST
- Contract Period: May 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
- Who Should Apply?
- This opportunity is open to local governments, non-profit organizations, for-profit entities, and faith-based organizations with demonstrated experience in:
- Community School implementation
- Family and student engagement
- Mobilizing community resources to support schools
- Providing expanded learning and youth development programs
- This opportunity is open to local governments, non-profit organizations, for-profit entities, and faith-based organizations with demonstrated experience in:
How to Apply
- Organizations can access the full RFP, submission guidelines, and required documentation on the SDoL website at CLICK HERE
- For RFP-related questions, please contact:
Renee Ortiz, Business & Operations Specialist
rlortiz@sdlancaster.org
Deadline for inquiries: February 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST - Proposals will be reviewed by the School District of Lancaster School Board, with the final selection expected by April 15, 2025.
A Stronger Future for Carter & MacRae
Carter & MacRae Elementary is home to a vibrant, diverse community where families from across the globe come together to learn and grow. The school’s commitment to equity, opportunity, and student success makes it an ideal addition to SDoL’s expanding Community Schools network.
With the right lead agency, Carter & MacRae will flourish as a hub of opportunity, ensuring that every student and family has the support they need to thrive.
For more details and to submit your proposal, [click here].