United Way’s United for Schools program expands supports in Davenport, aims to double sites

United Way Quad Cities representatives told the Davenport Community School District board that its United for Schools initiative places full‑time site coordinators in schools to connect students and families to nonacademic supports and community partners.

Renee Gellerman, president of United Way Quad Cities, told trustees the organization is working in six school sites regionally and in two Davenport elementary schools (Madison and Jefferson). “We are focusing on community‑level change and measurable change across the region,” she said, describing a mix of place‑based site work and strategic grantmaking.

Reagan Baker, United Way student success director, said site coordinators use annual needs assessments to target barriers such as transportation, food insecurity and untreated health problems. Baker said site coordinators typically manage caseloads equal to about 10% of a school’s population and run school‑wide supports; the organization reported that site costs currently run roughly $100,000–$120,000 per site and that the program aims to move per‑site resources closer to $180,000–$200,000.

Gellerman said United Way secured a $1 million challenge grant from the Ballmer Group and has raised about $1.2 million to date. She described partnerships with local nonprofits and businesses and cited early outcomes: she said 43 students received glasses at one school and that 31 of those students later increased their reading scores on a spring reading assessment. “We serve as a lot of our funding and support goes where public funding stops,” she said.

Board members asked how sites are selected and how success is measured. Baker said schools must apply and demonstrate capacity and space; site selection is decided by a committee. The presenters said United Way uses an existing, confidential data mechanism at Saint Ambrose University and an education council of regional superintendents to measure impact and help set baselines.

Trustees asked operational questions. Director Beck praised an idea to use auto‑shop classes to help with vehicle maintenance for families and asked whether the model would serve small schools with only a few high‑need students; Gellerman said the group prioritizes Title I schools and looks for willing, capacity‑ready partners. Director Hayes asked whether students receive two pairs of glasses; Baker confirmed they receive one pair to keep at home and a duplicate pair at school.

United Way said it plans to expand to 12 sites within three years and to continue recruiting volunteers and business partners. "That's why United for Schools matters," Baker said, "that's why our support and you all supporting this program is important." The board thanked presenters and said it would follow the program’s evaluation and expansion plans at future meetings.

Clarifying details recorded at the meeting: United Way reported it is active in six sites regionally and in Madison and Jefferson elementary schools in Davenport; site coordinator caseloads are described as roughly 10% of a building’s population; current reported site operating cost is about $100,000–$120,000 per site with a stated goal of increasing funding to $180,000–$200,000 per site; Ballmer Group provided a $1 million challenge grant; United Way reported about $1.2 million raised for the program to date.

Provenance: United Way presentation and Q&A to the board (first relevant remarks began at 00:07:57; last related Q&A began at 00:29:28).