Brown County United Way announced today a reinvestment of $150,000 into the Community Schools Initiative in partnership with the Green Bay Area Public School District for the 2025–26 school year. As the anchor partner in this initiative, this marks the third year of investment from Brown County United Way, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the Community School model in Green Bay.

This funding will directly support Howe Elementary Community School and Nicolet Elementary
Community School. Together, these schools serve more than 700 students from 4K through 5th grade.
Each school provides a neighborhood hub where families, school staff, and community partners collaborate to ensure students and their families have access to the academic, health, and social
supports they need to thrive.

Community Schools are guided by the values of equity and social justice and are designed to address
the unique needs of each school community. At Howe and Nicolet, this reinvestment will enhance:

• Integration of student supports, including meal and health services
• Student and family engagement opportunities
• Efforts to improve student attendance

“At Brown County United Way, we believe that when schools and communities come together, children
and families are given the best chance to succeed,” said Robyn Davis, President and CEO of Brown
County United Way. “This reinvestment reflects our commitment to strengthening the Community
School model and ensuring that every student has access to the resources and relationships they need
to thrive.”

“We are so proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish together through the Community Schools
strategy,” said Vicki Bayer, Superintendent of the Green Bay Area Public School District. “This
reinvestment is a testament to the strategy and the strong collaboration between two organizations
who unite to remove barriers so all families at Howe and Nicolet Elementary Community Schools can
thrive.”

The Community Schools Initiative officially launched in Green Bay in 2018 and continues to transform
how resources are integrated into the school environment. The model emphasizes:

• Powerful student and family engagement
• Expanded and enriched learning opportunities
• Rigorous, community-connected classroom instruction
• Integrated student supports
• Collaborative leadership and shared voice
• A culture of belonging, safety and care

Past investments in Community Schools have provided resources such as:

• School-based Vision Program: Free annual eye exams and two pairs of glasses for qualifying students
• School-based Mental Health Program: Free onsite mental health services during the school day
• Free field trips: Every student attends two field trips per year at no cost, thanks to partnerships and donors
• Family event programming: Regular family dinner nights provide opportunities for families to connect while enjoying a free meal
• Out of School Time: Providing additional activities and clubs, such as karate or skateboarding, extending the school’s reach into out of school hours.

Brown County United Way’s continued investment demonstrates its dedication to removing barriers to
student success and fostering environments where children and families can thrive.