Partnership with the community is essential to our success. When we align and coordinate our efforts we will create a seamless web of supports, address barriers to learning and generate new opportunities that strengthen family, school and community. By working together, we will ensure that schools are more effective, caring places that connect students and families with essential resources and learning opportunities.
How does MMSD define partnership?
A collaborative relationship between MMSD and community entities that is mutually beneficial and works toward shared goals and purpose through an agreed upon division of labor, services, outcomes and financial responsibility.
What is Policy 7544 - School and Community Partnerships? What is its purpose?
Board Policy 7544 - School and Community Partnerships includes guidelines (key definitions, guiding principles) and procedures for formalizing a partnership (development of Memorandum of Agreement and required approvals). The intent of the policy is to ensure that partnerships clearly articulate shared purpose, roles and responsibilities, communication structure, outcomes, metrics and monitoring schedule. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) b com s a guiding document that drives implementation, monitoring and accountability of the partnership in a way intended to foster continuous improvement.
What is the process for formalizing a partnership?
Depending on the intensity-level, a partnership moves through the Board of Education (BOE) in different ways. An MOA is required to be developed for medium and high intensity partnerships. An MOA is a documented tailing the agreement between partners of shared purpose, outcomes, division of labor, services, and financial responsibility. The process to formalize a partnership per BOE policy is illustrated below. Th Strategic Partnerships & Innovation (SP&I) department provides guidance and support to MMSD staff and partners throughout the process.