44.2% of students enrolled in Leon County schools are reported below the poverty line, according to the Census Bureau. To combat this eye-opening statistic, Sabal Palm Elementary School adopted the innovative Community Partnership Schools™ model in Fall 2019 to address socioeconomic barriers to the students’ educational advancement. Local business owner, Dale Tadlock, President of Tadlock Roofing, signed on as the first private sponsor, donating $15,000 to support the launch.
“It’s time. Community members and local business owners alike need to join arms with organizations like Children’s Home Society of Florida and Leon County Schools to protect and serve the most at-risk children in our community. It’s one thing to read of jaw-dropping statistics and it’s another to do something.”
Dale Tadlock, Founder & President, Tadlock Roofing
Through the Community Partnership Schools™ model, the partners – in collaboration with local nonprofits, businesses, the faith community and other stakeholders – work within the school to address the spectrum of socio-economic barriers to the students’ educational advancement, including poverty, food insecurity, lack of affordable health care, behavioral health services, and elevated rates of violence and crime.
It’s the goal of the core partners, Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS), Florida State University PrimaryHealth™, Florida A&M University, and Leon County Schools, all committing to a 25-year partnership with Sabal Palm Elementary and its surrounding community, to make a real difference and eventually expand the model to other school’s in need of these comprehensive services.
“It speaks volumes to the children receiving the wrap around services to know community leaders, business owners and faith-based organizations are behind them and their achievement.”
Rocky Hanna, Superintendent, Leon County Schools
The Community Partnership Schools™ model was implemented in Florida in 2012 through the partnership of CHS, UCF, and Orange County Public Schools. Since implementing the first elementary school model in 2016, Escambia’s C.A. Weis Elementary has seen a 49% decrease in disciplinary referrals.
“The Community Partnership School™ approach to address the significant barriers our students experience is just what this community needs. We are so excited to have private donors, like Tadlock Roofing, support this effort as we work to build bridges to success for children in Leon County.”
Cecka Rose Green, Regional Executive Director, Children’s Home Society of Florida
To learn more about how you can get involved with sponsoring or volunteering with Sabal Palm Elementary Community Partnership School, contact Anna-Kay Hutchinson, Community Partnership School Director.
See some photos from the check presentation event below:
