The inaugural Innovation Schools Fellowship

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Education is seeking forward-thinking school districts to apply for its inaugural Innovation Schools Fellowship, an initiative aimed to help districts launch new school models in their communities. 

Within the Innovation Schools Fellowship, district leadership – spearheaded by a potential school founder and championed by a superintendent or set of superintendents – will be guided in a design and planning process to potentially launch a new school for their region. 

“This project is designed to spark innovation, implement change and drive academic improvements,” said Frank Edelblut, commissioner of education. “It offers an opportunity for districts to listen to their community needs and aspirations, while also exploring other school models throughout the country that could be molded into local schools either as complete redesigns, new makerspace or a school-within-a-school concept.” 
 
Anchored in the Innovation Schools Law passed last legislative session, a new Innovation School will enable districts to provide more choices for students and families. At the end of the nine-month process, select districts will emerge with a new school model that, if approved by their local school boards, could dramatically change the lives of children for years to come. 

“We believe that students should be the drivers of their own destiny, which is why, throughout this five-phase planning and design process, community and student input will be critical,” said Matt Brunell of Rooted Consulting, which is partnering with NHDOE to launch the Innovation Schools Fellowship. 

School districts interested in applying for the fellowship have until March 1, and can obtain additional information at Innovation Fellowship. The design and planning process is funded by Title II, Part A funds.