A TIGHT-KNIT COMMUNITY Elmwood Park’s progress is deeply tied to its community partnerships. The district benefits from strong ties with local businesses, alumni, and families, who contribute to both student success and district culture. Board President Louise Gerardi, who has served on the board for more than 16 years, emphasizes the importance of community involvement. “This is a tight-knit town,” she says. “When we invest in our schools, we invest in the entire community.” That commitment is evident in both large and small ways—from businesses supporting job training programs, to parents volunteering in classrooms, to former students returning to mentor the next generation. LIFELONG LEARNING AND PERSONAL GROWTH For Gerardi,education is about more than academics— 188 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10
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