While most mayors in the U.S. don’t directly oversee their local school districts, they still have an important role to play in helping students succeed through direct support, supporting strategic partnerships and public advocacy.
New guidance from the National League of Cities details how city leaders can use their position to support their local schools and why it’s so important that they do so.
For example, community-building efforts like school site visits and recurring event series such as “Reading with the Mayor” or a “Mayor for a Day” job shadowing experiences can inspire other civic leaders and residents to get involved, contributing to a broader culture of community support for schools.
“Whether through school visits, investments in afterschool programs, or leading cross-sector planning efforts, mayors can help shape the conditions that support all children and families,” the guidance states. “Sometimes, the most powerful form of support is simply being there. A mayor’s presence in schools — reading to students, attending events, mentoring youth — helps build trust, foster community connection, and signals that education is a civic priority. This visibility opens doors for collaboration and relationship-building between city leaders and education stakeholders.”
Additional recommendations
Education is deeply affected by community factors including housing, transportation, youth development, mental health and economic opportunity, so leading or supporting strategic planning efforts that align city departments, nonprofits and school districts can help create the conditions for long-term success.
Mayors can initiate, advocate for or fund planning efforts across stakeholder groups that prioritize anything from youth well-being to data sharing.
As local educational agencies seek to close achievement gaps and provide students with additional learning opportunities before- and after-school, mayors can invest city resources into “Out of School Time (OST) programs,” form public-private partnerships, provide stipends or incentives for youth participation, and use city assets like community centers to expand access, the guidance states.
After-school and summer learning opportunities play a crucial role in reducing absenteeism, preventing learning loss, supporting working families and can also help students develop critical life skills and explore interests that may not be covered in school, according to the guidance.
In that same vein, the guidance notes that “for many young people, the transition from high school to postsecondary education or the workforce can feel out of reach, especially if they don’t have access to prior work experiences or adult guidance. Cities can build bridges to employment by connecting youth to career-connected learning experiences such as internships, mentoring, job training, and other programs that show them what’s possible and how to get there.”
Specifically, mayors can help bridge gaps between schools and the employer community by:
- Coordinating or funding internships, apprenticeships and college access programs in partnership with local employers, higher education institutions, LEAs and other community stakeholders (like workforce development boards)
- Ensuring city workforce and economic development strategies provide clear opportunities for youth to explore, prepare for and access good jobs and guidance to industry leaders to successfully and meaningfully employ young people
