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9A PHOENIX OFFICIALS WIN APPROVAL FOR SMALL HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING BOND Page 4 (Reprinted with permission from the National League of Cities' Nation's Cities' Weekly.) By Lucinda M. Dugger and Audrey M. Hutchinson Following a concerted campaign by city lead~ In order to create better public schools, ers, Phoenix, [Ariz.] recently won approval by Gordon recognizes that no single entity will be voters of a $6.8 million bond that will provide seed successful if it acts on its own. money to support the construction of four or five small high schools across the city. "It takes many resources," he said. "Whether fiscal or human, we must work together with what A team of city and school officials from Phoe- is available to provide a variety of options for our nix has participated for the past two years in a students. " National League of Cities (NLC) technical assis- tance initiative to expand options and promote Deborah Dillon, director of youth and educa- innovation at the high school level. By taking a tion programs for the city of Phoenix, said that leadership role in passage of a bond issue to conversations are just beginning on how best to support the construction of small high schools, the allocate the money as well as the criteria that will city has established itself asa national leader and be used in selecting sites for the new high set an exciting precedent for other cities. schools. Finalized guidelines will be approved by the mayor and city council. Through a competitive process, the city now will solicit proposed plans for small schools from "We're not doing to schools, but we're working Its nine school districts that currently have high with schools," Dillon said. "It is important that we schools within the city limits. Each new high talk to schools before decisions are made on how school is expected to have an enrollment of 300 to to move forward." 500 students and reflect the city's growing popula- tion of Hispanic youth and families in poverty. Small Is Not Just About Size In addition, the new schools are expected to Experts say small high schools tend to be target workers of highly needed occupations such successful with more students who attend these as nursing, medical technology, engineering and smaller institutions - especially low-income and teaching. minority students - passing core classes and going on to college. Mayoral Leadership However, Larry Rosenstock, CEO of High At a recent meeting with city officials and staff, Tech High, a nonprofit organization that develops school district leaders, local businesses and NLC small public schools in communities across representatives, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon California, said that the success of small schools stressed the importance of education for his family also depends on factors other than the total as well as for the vitality of the city. number of students. He discussed how a city's quality of education He emphasized three key elements that make affects public safety, economic development, successful schools: personalization, adult world workplace skills and the overall health and well- connection and common intellectual mission. being of a community. These design elements ensure the needs of "' believe that we're going to fail if we don't give our students are met on a variety of levels through kids the best education and the ability and desire home visits, peer learning and exchange, a one to keep learning," said Gordon. on one connection with an adult and one agenda for all students. Continued on Page 5 PAGE 4 - PRIORITY FOCUS Visit the League's Official Website--www.cacities.org July 7,2006 - Issue #27 ..,~,..... ._.~.-."