There is no better place to apply the proverb “It takes a village” than in education, yet many school districts often work in silos, missing out on the wealth of knowledge in their communities.
Springfield Public Schools, the largest school district in Missouri, is changing that mindset with two innovative programs—the "Unity Tea" and "Principal for a Day"—to build lasting relationships with their community.
Under the passionate leadership of Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan, these initiatives have not only garnered local praise but have also earned national recognition. The district serves 24,000 students across 55 sites in the state.
Lathan and Jessica Blake, Coordinator of Community Relations at Springfield Public Schools, presented these initiatives at the recent LeaderHERship Network Summit.
The Unity Tea: Mentoring the Next Generation of Female Leaders
The "Unity Tea," now in its third year, is an annual event designed to foster mentorship for young women in the district. It was the brainchild of Lathan, who had a similar program in a previous district. The event connects successful women leaders from the community with 100 high school students for an afternoon of conversations and connections.
“Dr. Lathan is passionate about engagement with our community and empowering students to be their best,” said Blake. “She wanted to create an event that fosters mentorship for young ladies throughout the district.”
The selection process for both students and mentors is meticulous. Students are identified by school champions based on their potential to benefit from such an experience. As Blake explained, the goal is to reach young women who have "never been able to experience something like this before and who could use additional connections to strong leaders in our community."
On the other side, community leaders are carefully chosen to ensure a diverse representation of industries, including banking, law, non-profit, and civic engagement.
“The district curates a list of strong business leaders who are active in the community and are interested in becoming mentors for students,” Blake said.
The invitation comes directly from Lathan, a "dynamo" who Blake says makes people "jump on the opportunity really quickly" because they are excited to "build up our next generation of female leaders."
The district partners with local organizations to support the Unity Tea. One of their community partners, Care to Learn–an organization that supports our district with health, hunger, and hygiene–donates a $100 gift card to each student to purchase new clothes for the event. “We want them to feel confident and comfortable when coming into a room with business leaders and their peers,” said Blake.
The success stories are a testament to the program's impact. One standout example involves a young entrepreneur who makes cake pops and chocolate-covered strawberries. She was seated with the CEO of a credit union who was so impressed by the student's confidence and business acumen that she hired her to cater the credit union's annual banquet. The student's business cards were displayed, and her work was praised for its "amazing" presentation and professionalism. This story, Blake noted, is a perfect example of “the power of just building women up and letting them showcase the work that they're doing."
For other districts hoping to replicate this success, Blake advised starting with an internal committee of women leaders who can brainstorm and tailor a program to their specific community's needs. She also highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that sponsors such as Care to Learn and Launch Virtual Learning, who supplies journals for attendees, create a special experience for the participants.
Principal for a Day: A Look Inside the School System
The "Principal for a Day" program is another cornerstone of SPS's community engagement strategy. Its purpose is to open the doors of schools to local business and civic leaders, allowing them to experience a day in the life of a school principal.
“Dr. Lathan really believes in engaging the community and giving people the opportunity to see the great work that we're doing and see the amazing things that are happening across our school district,” said Blake.
The program is structured to be accessible to busy professionals. Participants commit to just a half-day, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The experience includes a two-hour shadowing session at a school, followed by a luncheon and debriefing with a panel discussion.
“We work closely with the local Chamber of Commerce to recruit a diverse group of participants,” Blake noted. “Dr. Lathan sends out personal invitations that provide all the details. Interested participants fill out a registration form”
The program has drawn high-profile participants, including both the outgoing and new mayors, a county commissioner, and several city council members. Blake shared a story about a councilwoman who formed such a strong bond with a student that she now volunteers as a mentor at that school.
Since its pilot in 2023, the program has grown exponentially. It's now held twice a year, and there is already a waitlist for the next event, which is set for February 2026. Part of the program's success can be attributed to the enthusiastic social media engagement from participants. As Blake explained, they often post live updates or post-event reflections, bragging about the "amazing things" they witnessed. This organic promotion has led to a ripple effect, with others in the community reaching out to inquire about how they can participate.
For other districts interested in starting a similar program, Blake stressed the importance of over-communication with principals and staff. While some administrators may be hesitant to have an outsider in their building, clear guidelines and the flexibility to personalize the day's agenda make the process smoother. The district provides a suggested agenda, including a tour and highlighting a specific program, but allows principals to "make it their own," Blake said.
The program also received national recognition by the National School Public Relations Association, who awarded it with their prestigious Gold Medallion Award.
The Future of Community Engagement
Both the Unity Tea and Principal for a Day are funded through SPS's community relations fund, which supports engagement events. The success of these programs, however, goes far beyond financial metrics. They have created tangible, meaningful connections that benefit students and strengthen the community as a whole.
“We’re really proud of the work that we've done around this and it's been a neat way for us to open our doors for our community to see our leadership teams doing good things,” Blake said.
These initiatives are a clear example of how schools can be active, visible hubs of their communities. By intentionally building relationships with local leaders and empowering students, Springfield Public Schools is not just educating the next generation—it's building a stronger, more connected community for everyone.
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