A new school needs a lot of time and money to get up and running. However, a well-planned launch can save your project a lot of trouble and give you the best chance for longterm success. This article outlines how to set up a launch event for your new school and maximize its impact.
The first step in launching a new school is to identify an optimal facility. This may be a previous school that has already been licensed as a school or another facility that meets the educational needs of your target families. This facility will also need to be equipped with the appropriate technologies for teaching and learning.
Once you have found an ideal facility, negotiate the lease. There are a number of levers that can be used to get an optimal deal with the landlord, depending on your specific situation and needs. Having an experienced education partner with the right connections can be instrumental in your negotiation efforts.
School reopening involves putting in place policies and procedures that enable safe operations, allow for learning and recuperation of lost knowledge and skills, meet students’ social and emotional needs and promote equity. It requires a strong partnership between government and education, with clear roles and responsibilities for both.
It also requires that school systems develop rigorously coordinated and jointly vetted guidance for their districts on what are, in essence, public health strategies. It must involve extensive investments in contact tracing, the use of antivirals and disinfectants that are safe for children and staff, and clear protocols for when buildings must be closed.