Community School Implementation in Rural Vermont.

This article examines the implementation experiences of five rural Vermont schools adopting the Community Schools (CS) approach during the first year of a state-funded program under Vermont Act 67, also known as the Community Schools Act. The study highlights key factors for successful rural CS implementation, including the natural integration of CS principles with existing school practices, the critical role of school leaders’ values and advocacy, and collaborative leadership that fosters inclusive decision-making and community engagement. Findings emphasize that rural CS leaders leverage local partnerships and align CS pillars—integrated student supports, expanded learning opportunities, family and community engagement, collaborative leadership, and safe, equitable environments—to address unique rural needs. The research contributes to expanding understanding of community school implementation beyond urban contexts, underscoring the importance of leadership mindset, interprofessional collaboration, and state-local partnerships in sustaining community schools in rural settings.