Lake County Community School Lead

Dear Lake County Community and Families,

Hello everyone! We hope this finds you well in this amazing county we call home. I’m excited to share that Lake County is part of a transformative effort shaping the future of education and well-being for our students, families, and community—the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP). This work connects the strong, community-driven values we hold here in Lake County with a statewide commitment to providing holistic, student-centered support.

Our Unique Landscape

Before we dive into what Community Schools are and how they’re taking shape locally, let’s take a moment to appreciate the place we call home.  As you know, Lake County takes its name from its centerpiece, Clear Lake—the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California. Nestled among rugged mountains, rolling hills, broad valleys, and the iconic volcano Mount Konocti, our region is as diverse as it is beautiful. What truly unites our communities, however, is a shared dedication to strengthening our educational systems and supporting families, ensuring that future generations have every opportunity to thrive.

What Are Community Schools? 

Community schools are public institutions that build strong, collaborative relationships with families and community organizations. This approach centers around four key pillars: integrated student support, expanded learning opportunities, active family and community involvement, and shared leadership. Together, these elements foster a supportive environment where students can grow and succeed both academically and socially. Across the county, districts are coming together as part of the CCSPP to make this vision a reality.

Within our consortium, focus areas will continue to evolve based on the individual needs of each school. These may include academic and social-emotional supports, professional development for staff, continued support for students and families in the hours after school, strategies to enhance student and family engagement, and improved connections to local resources. A defining strength of this model is its flexibility—no two community schools are identical. Each one reflects the distinct needs, assets, and priorities of the community it serves.

The Community Schools Landscape in Lake County

Here in Lake County, we are dedicated to supporting the success and well-being of our students and families. Our Community Schools aim to:

• Remove barriers to learning by providing integrated student supports
• Expand and enrich learning opportunities for all students, including after school hours
• Cultivate strong partnerships with families and the community in the educational process
• Collaborate with local organizations to deliver essential services and resources to students and families
   

Participating Lake County Schools

The following schools are part of the Community School Consortium with grants spanning five years.

• Cohort 1: 2022-2027
  • Elementary schools; Burns Valley, East Lake, Kelseyville, Lakeport, Lower Lake, Lucerne, Minnie Cannon, Pomo, Riviera and Upper Lake. Middle schools; Mountain Vista, and Upper Lake. High schools; Lakeport Alternative.
• Cohort 4: 2025-2030
  • Middle schools; Obsidian, High schools; Carle, Lower Lake, Lewis Independent Study and Natural. 

Invitation to connect

We believe that by working together, we can build a strong network of Community Schools throughout Lake County and across Northern California. We invite you to be part of this important effort and help us strengthen the support systems that allow every student and family to thrive.

If you have any questions, ideas, or would like to explore ways to collaborate, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to connecting with you and working together to build a brighter future for Community Schools in Lake County and beyond.

Warm regards,

Jaime Alexander
County Community Schools Lead
Lake County Office of Education

Lake County Office of education