Overview
External Affairs oversees a number of departments (Community and LSC Relations, Communications, Intergovernmental Affairs, External Resources, and External Partnerships) that are critical to supporting the school system’s mission of providing every child, in every school with the best possible education. Working together, these departments build strong relationships with important constituents, including parents, community and civic groups, interfaith leaders, elected officials, businesses, and Local School Council members. External Affairs works to keep these important partners informed of CPS initiatives, encourage their involvement, and garner their support.
Goals
We provide timely and thorough information on school system initiatives and programs to the entire CPS community, and to organize events and campaigns that strengthen the relationship between the schools and our wide range of partners. We:
- Effectively communicate strategies, policies and programs to the CPS community in a timely fashion
Maintain a strong working relationship with elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels
- Respond in a timely fashion to issues raised by external constituents
- Promote the hard work being done across the city by our students, educators, parents, and community partners
- Foster dynamic partnerships with local civic and corporate organizations that provide additional resources and support to our schools
Current initiatives
External Affairs manage a wide range of events and campaigns that are key components in the school system’s efforts to maintain a broad base of support in the community.
- Principal for a Day
- Local School Council Elections and Inauguration Ceremony
- State-level campaigns for school-funding reform and enhanced youth-safety programs
- Back-to-School and Attendance Campaigns
- School Turnaround/Consolidation Program
Accomplishments
CPS undertook an unprecedented effort to consolidate, turnaround, and relocate several schools during the past year. External Affairs worked with the key stakeholders to gather their input, keep everyone informed of the details of the proposals, and facilitate the changes approved by the Board of Education. In addition, the school system enjoyed a successful Back to School Campaign and hosted a school-funding and safety rally for 30,000 students in Soldier Field.