Frequently asked questions

What is the Partners in Education program?

The Partners in Education (PIE) program is designed to build relationships between the Knox County School System and community organizations to improve the educational opportunities of the 53,000 students across the county. Individual school partnerships allow community groups to impact public education in a targeted location.

What is in it for the organization?

We believe that the education of our young people is the responsibility of the entire community, not simply the responsibility of professional educators. Your organization will gain new insights into the public schools, while also investing in the future health of our community. Your organization's image in the community is enhanced through your involvement in PIE. The program also offers a great vehicle for channeling the community service efforts of your employees/members.

How do we choose a partner school?

The Partners in Education staff will assist your organization in identifying the school or program that is the best fit. Some organizations partner with a school in the neighborhood, while others have a desire to help in another part of town. PIE staff will also help you decide what age group of students meets your needs as a partner. The school will then be contacted and PIE staff will facilitate the process of developing the partnership.

Is there a minimum financial investment?

No. The Partners in Education program is built on the belief that relationships make the difference. Though we appreciate financial contributions, we feel strongly that this should be deeper than simply a financial arrangement.

Can we partner with more than one school?

Yes. In fact, several organizations with multiple locations have more than one school partner. We don't discourage multiple school partnerships, but the key is making sure you have adequate personnel to be effective in multiple sites.

What can we do for our school?

Here is where your creativity can make a difference. You can involve your employees/members in activities at school or host students for career day. You can provide incentives to recognize student achievement or provide your professional expertise to the school. The ideas are unlimited, so ask the school staff to brainstorm with you.

How do we know what activities are beneficial to students?

Get the school staff to include students in the planning process. Ask the staff to specify effective strategies for reaching students. The school improvement plan already includes priorities that will help in this discussion.

How long does the partnership last?

Most partnerships continue for as long as the partners feel they are still being effective. In a few rare instances, the community partner will enter the relationship for a designated period that is communicated to the school.

Do we have to renew the partnership each year?

No.

What can the school do for us?

Here is another area where the creativity of the PIE team makes the difference. Invite the school PIE team to visit your organization to see where the school can impact your operations. We like having our students out in the community providing entertainment, art work, or other exhibits of their talents and skills.

Can we partner with a specific area within the school?

Yes. In many cases, your organization will be one of several community groups making a commitment to your partner school. In these cases, the PIE team will identify where your strengths and resources can have the most impact.

Can we partner with a program that touches several schools across the county?

Yes. There are organizations that work with the school system to develop programs that target grade levels across the system. In addition, some groups commit to working with a specific curriculum area system-wide. Those activities are coordinated out of the central office through the PIE staff.

Do we need to develop a budget for PIE?

Though not simply a financial commitment, the reality is that many of our partnerships do involve some financial contribution during the year. In the cases where we know finances are involved, we encourage the development of a budget that is communicated to the PIE team.

What happens when the principal or key school contact is no longer at the school?

The PIE staff can assist with facilitating a meeting between the new parties. This is where the larger PIE team that includes several members from the school and community organization can be effective in riding through these situations.

Can we change schools once we get in the program?

Yes. We would prefer to make change prior to the beginning of school. Contact the PIE office (594-1908) to discuss how we can help.

Is there a bad time of year to enter into a partnership?

No. In fact, partnerships that begin late in the school year get the advantage of taking a "test drive" before planning their activities for the next year. We are pleased to have the community get involved throughout the year.