In dissolving locally elected school boards and disempowering local communities by stripping away the power of voters’ rights to local governance, the consequences of state takeovers have yielded devastating outcomes for local communities while demonstrating unnoticeable gains in student achievement.  The report, Out of Control: The Systemic Disenfranchisement of African American and Latino Communities Through School Takeovers addresses the negative impact that state takeovers have had on communities throughout the United States.  Captured in this report by the Alliance to Reclaim our Schools, is recognition that strong schools are important elements of strong communities.   In this context, fully developed Community Schools, also known as Community Learning Centers is a strategy that strengthens schools and communities. Prior to the surprise state takeover amendment, the original version of House Bill 70 only dealt with establishing a community learning center model for schools. Learn more:

Out of Control: The Systemic Disenfranchisement of African American and Latino Communities Through School Takeovers

http://www.reclaimourschools.org/updates/out-of-control

Community Schools Video Created by Students from Oakland Unified School District.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8GaUJEP2h0

Coalition for Community Schools  

http://www.communityschools.org/aboutschools/faqs.aspx

Building Community Schools: A Guide for Action (National Center for Community Schools & Children’s Aid Society)

http://www.childrensaidsociety.org/publications/building-community-schools-guide-action-2013-edition

Community Schools Toolkit (Center for Popular Democracy)

http://populardemocracy.org/sites/default/files/publications/CPD_CEJToolkit_FIN.pdf