“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This quote has been attributed to many influential leaders, and it’s one I come back to often because it speaks so clearly to the power of collaborative relationships.

In education, we face challenges that no single person—or even a single school district—can tackle alone. Building strong, collaborative relationships takes time, intention and effort, but the payoff is well worth it. Let me share some thoughts on why these connections are so critical and how we can strengthen them.

Schools Are a Shared Investment

Let’s be honest: your community is invested in your schools, both financially and emotionally. They pay taxes, they vote on bonds and they trust that their investment is making a difference, not just for the students but for the community as a whole. Are the kids graduating from your district ready to contribute to society? Can they support the local economy?

Many people—especially those without children in the school system—may not fully understand the challenges or accomplishments within your schools. If we’re not actively sharing that information, we’re missing an opportunity to connect and collaborate. In the end, they’re not just investing in schools; they’re investing in the future of their community.

Relationships Don’t Happen by Chance

One of the biggest barriers to collaboration is time. There’s always something more immediate demanding your attention, which can push relationship-building to the back burner. That’s why it’s so important to prioritize developing connections with your local community—businesses, community leaders and families.

When you’re proactive about building these relationships, you create a foundation for open communication. It becomes much easier to have honest conversations about the challenges schools face when there’s a level of trust and familiarity already in place. 

For example, many communities may not realize the depth of the teacher shortage and how it affects schools. Did you know that industry professionals with real-world experience can now use flexible licensure options to teach part-time? Opportunities like this often go unnoticed when communication is lacking.

Communication Bridges the Gap

Strong communication is the foundation of trust. Internally and externally, it’s essential to clearly communicate your district’s goals and priorities. It’s not enough to discuss them during board meetings—those messages need to reach staff and the community as well. If people don’t understand the “why” behind decisions, confusion and misinformation can fill the gaps.

We often think of superintendents and principals as the primary communicators, but let’s not overlook other key players. Bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers often have deep ties to the community. They’re the ones having casual conversations at the grocery store or the football game. When they’re informed about district goals and motivations, they become advocates who can help build trust and understanding. And If they’re left out of the loop, it can create unintended barriers to community support.

This communication gap can be especially challenging when introducing new initiatives or asking for community involvement. Consistent, clear messaging builds trust and ensures that when you ask for support, your community feels prepared to say yes.

Building Collaborative Relationships

So, how can we strengthen these connections? It begins with intentionality. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Engage Early and Often

A great time to involve your community is during the development of your district’s strategic plan. This isn’t just about gathering ideas; it’s also an opportunity to educate your community on the current state of education and why your priorities matter. Taking the time to explain and discuss these issues creates alignment and shared understanding.

Find Ways to Involve Your Community

Establishing advisory councils—such as for career and technical education (CTE)—can bring community expertise directly into your schools. Regular meetings with local business leaders and industry professionals not only provide valuable insights but also strengthen their connection to your schools. Over time, these relationships can lead to new partnerships, resources and opportunities for students.

In Blue Valley they developed the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program brings industry professionals into classrooms to teach students and help them transition from education to employment. The CAPS model has grown into a regional network, making it easier for other districts to replicate. Whether it’s through guest lectures, part-time teaching or program development, these partnerships can have a lasting impact.

Be Transparent and Consistent

Share updates on district priorities, celebrate successes and be honest about challenges. When people see the full picture, they’re more likely to understand and support your decisions. In Salina, the superintendent dedicated time and effort to building relationships with local businesses. This collaboration allowed the district to refurbish and update several CTE classrooms at a reduced cost.

Celebrate Collaboration

When partnerships lead to success—whether it’s a new program, facility upgrade or student opportunity—celebrate it publicly. Acknowledging the contributions of your community partners reinforces the value of collaboration and encourages continued involvement.

Moving Forward Together

The bottom line is this: schools and communities are stronger together. Collaborative relationships don’t just happen; they require effort, communication and a shared commitment to what’s best for students. By building collaborative relationships, we not only tackle today’s challenges but also set the stage for long-term success.