Seattle - In a time when the economy is in a slump and state and local governments are facing major budget deficits, work-site schools offer a proven innovative funding mechanism.
A new study released by Washington Policy Center shows that the traditional model of a government built, owned and operated public school is no longer the only option. In "Innovative School Facility Partnerships: Downtown, Airport and Retail Space," Matthew Taylor and Lisa Snell show how school districts can work with private organizations to develop innovative schools located in workplaces like business districts, airports and retail buildings.
The Seattle School District recently entered into a partnership with the Simon Youth Foundation to create a model for a smaller high school. The new academy, located at Northgate Mall, is designed to address the needs of an at-risk student population.
Work-site schools are programs where the private sector provides space for classrooms and the school districts provide the teachers and textbooks. In exchange for private-sector involvement, these schools can offer a targeted enrollment designed to serve the children of the employees of the sponsoring companies and can provide valuable internship opportunities for the participating students.
"Education funding policy should be reshaped to allow a team effort of both public and private sectors, acting in unison, in order to provide a truly equitable and equal education experience for all public school children," says Eddie Reed, head teacher at Seattle's Mall Academy and author of the study's introduction.
"Work-site schools are being implemented throughout the country at airports, malls and in downtown business districts," said Policy Analyst Eric Montague. "Washington students can benefit from the small class sizes and workplace experience work-site school partnerships offer."
Alternative work-site schools provide school leaders and education policymakers with a powerful tool. With greater private sector involvement, school districts can reduce class sizes, increase one-on-one teaching and provide a better education for students.
