Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholders have a wealth of valuable insight. When districts engage a variety of stakeholder groups, they can gain insights that enhance their local strategies to meeting state and local goals and, ultimately, improve student outcomes. 

Engaging Stakeholders

Stakeholder engagement is a unique and local process and each district’s list of stakeholders will vary. Schools and districts may consider engaging the following stakeholder groups: 

• Parents, caregivers and families;  
• District and school-Level educators;  
• Government agencies and representatives; 
• Community-based organizations;  
• Research and evaluation experts;  
• Business communities;  
• Elected officials;  
• Physical and behavioral health professionals;  
• Students and youth;  
• Faith-based organizations;  
• Community members; and  
• Philanthropy groups.  

Building an Engagement Strategy

Schools and districts can consider the steps below when planning an organizing a stakeholder team. 

• Step 1: Utilize Team Structures 

  Commit to meaningful, ongoing and sustainable engagement of the whole community, including stakeholders not typically active in the engagement process, beginning with a vision for what meaningful engagement with a variety of stakeholders and strategies looks like. 

• Step 2: Establish Leadership Teams 

  Identify a staff member who will serve as the main contact and primary coordinator to lead the engagement efforts. District and school leaders should consider partnering with organizations to build capacity and incorporating this work into existing teams. 

• Step 3: Identify Stakeholders 

  Determine how to connect with groups that represent vulnerable populations, such as English Learners, students in foster care, students experiencing homelessness, students with disabilities and students who are economically disadvantaged.  

• Step 4: Identify Issues and Topics to Engage 

  Identify issues and topics unique and local to each community, driven by input from stakeholders and data. Engagement topics may include budgeting, transportation, student attendance, professional development or school calendars. Schools and districts should actively listen and learn more from stakeholders about key issues to develop trust and effective engagement. This information, along with data-driven decision-making, will drive the development of the district and school plan. 

• Step 5: Create or Improve an Online Presence.  

  Create an online presence to serve as a powerful vehicle for stakeholder input. Social media, email and instant messaging can be effective ways to engage stakeholders who don’t typically provide input. An online presence also can be a way to disseminate information about engagement opportunities. Online activities can create a sense of community among all stakeholders. 

Last Modified: 9/6/2023 9:42:37 AM

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