Union County Public Schools

In February 2022, SchermCo began a transformational journey with Union County Public Schools (UCPS) to audit, design, and implement a comprehensive family engagement strategy. Over the course of three years, this collaboration has reshaped how the district connects with families, built new leadership capacity, and created sustainable systems that center families as critical stakeholders in student success.

THE CHALLENGE

Under the bold leadership of Tahira Stalberte, Assistant Superintendent of Communications & Community Relations, UCPS recognized the need to move beyond traditional parent-teacher interactions and toward a strategic, district-wide approach to family engagement.

At the onset of the partnership, the district was seeking a unified definition of family engagement, more consistent data collection process, and ample staff to support the day-to-day of family engagement activities throughout the district.

Phase 1

District-Wide Audit

  • Conducted internal and external audits, including surveys and interviews with more than 1,000 families and 20+ stakeholders​.
  • Presented key findings and a strategic implementation plan to district leadership.
  • Identified the need for a formal district-wide definition of family engagement and created a framework for piloting in Title I schools.

Phase 2

Building Infrastructure

  • Developed a job description and onboarding modules for UCPS’ first-ever district-wide Family Engagement Specialist. 
  • Facilitated hiring of five new Family Engagement Specialists to serve Title I schools.
  • Launched a district-wide data dashboard to collect and analyze family feedback​.

Phase 3

Strategic Implementation

  • Utilized insights and feedback from families to create programming opportunities to support family engagement and positive student outcomes.
  • Developed and executed resource fairs, school partnership communities of practice, and workshops across the district​.
  • Provided ongoing data refinement, strategy insights, and implementation support focused on family engagement and the data-dashboard.

RESULTS & IMPACT

  • Supported the hiring of a Family Engagement Specialist.
  • Created the first-ever, district-wide family engagement data-dashboard.
  • 5 Family Engagement Specialists hired and embedded in Title I schools across UCPS.
  • 1,000+ family surveys analyzed to drive data-informed decision-making.
  • New district culture emerging that prioritizes co-creation, inclusivity, and responsiveness to family feedback​.

“SchermCo has been an invaluable partner to Union County Public Schools over the past several years. Their team brings a rare combination of strategic insight, adaptability, and deep commitment to data-driven practices. Together, we’ve reimagined what family engagement can look like in our district—moving beyond communication to true collaboration with families. Thanks to their support, we now have the tools, systems, and mindset to co-create solutions with families that reflect their needs and strengths.” 

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