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From Equal To Effective
From Equal to Effective: Reexamining to Way We Fund Public Education
What does it really mean for a community to prioritize education? Despite decades of increased investment in public education, persistent gaps in literacy, attendance, and long-term outcomes remain stark—especially for children growing up in poverty. In this Tomorrow Talk, Price Thomas, Executive Director of City of Promise, shares research, lived experience, and emerging frameworks that explore how critical communities are in supporting learning beyond the classroom. Rather than offering simple answers, this conversation examines how education outcomes are shaped by a wide range of social, economic, and civic factors—and what that might mean for communities seeking new, more effective approaches.
Building on insights from the Education Innovator Summit at the 2025 Tom Tom Festival and a semester-long research project with the UVA College of Arts and Sciences, Price introduces the community schools model as one lens for understanding education as a shared ecosystem. This model considers how schools, families, local government, and community organizations must align efforts aimed at student and family success—through transportation access, out-of-school learning, family engagement, and other supports that influence how young people can fully participate and engage in school.
The talk will explore how communities make decisions about education priorities and investments, and how different approaches reflect different assumptions about what helps students succeed. Drawing on data and case studies from other cities, Price will offer frameworks for thinking about the balance between values, resources, and outcomes—inviting participants to reflect on how communities move from intention to implementation.
As with all Tomorrow Talks, the format is designed to create community dialogue. Attendees will be invited to engage with new ideas, ask questions, and consider where they see opportunities for alignment across schools, neighborhoods, and local institutions. Whether you are a parent, educator, policymaker, or community member, the conversation offers a chance to explore how care, collaboration, and curiosity might shape the future of education in Charlottesville.
Registration is required. Tickets are offered at GA ($30) or Scholarship ($15) prices.