Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the Partners in Education program?  Businesses (small and large), civic groups, government agencies, churches, colleges and university organizations, and non-profit agencies.

How do I become a Partner in Education?  Contact Jana Stegall, Business and Community Relations Administrator - (770) 443-8003 ext. 11200 jstegall@paulding.k12.ga.us

Does a business/organization have to be located in Paulding County to participate in the Partners in Education program?  No. We invite all businesses that want to establish a partnership with our schools and our students to become Partners in Education.

Is there a minimum financial investment for partners?  There is no cost with establishing a partnership. Financial and in-kind donations are made at the discretion of the community partner. 

What are the requirements for becoming an official Partner in Education?  Every Partner in Education should fill out a Partnership Commitment form. Once approved at the district level, that form will be sent to the schools the Business Contact Person identified as being interested in partnering with. The Local School PIE Coordinator will reach out to the Business Contact Person to arrange a meeting to develop an Action Plan.

Each Partner in Education must commit to a minimum of ONE ACTIVITY PER QUARTER, PER PARTNERSHIP. This regular interaction helps build a relationship and enhances the quality of the partnership.

What are the requirements for becoming a PPIE District Partner? Partners-at-Large are those businesses/organizations that want to, and have the means to, support more than three schools or the district as an entirety. Most businesses/organizations will not fall into this category. PALs will work with the System Coordinator to establish an Action Plan for their contributions.

Can community partners join more than one school in partnership? Yes, however, new PIEs should look carefully at their commitments. PIEs must commit to one activity per quarter, per partnership. If a PPIE has partnered with their max of 3 schools, they must commit to 12 activities during the school year.

Is there a bad time of year to enter a partnership? Not at all. Partnerships that begin late in the school year can be advantageous for both the business/organization and the school because it gives the partner and school the opportunity to get to know each other, discuss their ideas and expectations, and plot out their action plan for the next school year.

How long do partnerships last? Partnerships last for as long as they are mutually beneficial to both the school and the business/organization. Partnerships and action plans must be renewed and updated annually.

Why do partners and schools fill out an Action Plan? The Action Plan outlines everyone's expectations for their partnership. A school can easily see which partners are doing which activities during a certain month. Partners can look at their action plan and see what they have committed to, and be able to communicate with their school coordinator if they cannot fulfill that commitment.

Can I partner if I have a small business?  Absolutely! Many small businesses have successful partnerships with schools. The key is to know your limitations. Committing to activities you know you can fulfill is paramount to succeeding in your partnership. Many activities do not require an inordinate amount of time or money. Small businesses are the perfect companies to talk about entrepreneurship and budgeting with students, or volunteering . Work with your partner school to find out exactly where your resources and talents can be of use.

Small businesses are also a perfect PPIE Incentive Partner, who can offer incentives to PCSD staff.  This might include a discount on purchases, free items with purchase, or other incentives only available to our staff.

How does a PIE choose a partner school?  Many PIEs want to partner with their neighborhood schools. This is great! However, some of the schools in Paulding County are located in more rural areas, which leaves them at a disadvantage when it comes to Partners. If you are more comfortable in a neighborhood school, go for it! But also know your resources and talents can be useful at ANY of our schools.

If you need help in deciding which school you'd like to partner with, the System Coordinator can help! The objective of a partnership is to meet the interest, needs and resources of the organization and the school.

What should I do if I cannot fulfill my commitment as a Partner? Please let the Local School PIE Coordinator, as well as the System Coordinator, know as soon as you are aware you cannot fulfill your commitment.