Community School Directors are United Way of Erie County employees embedded full-time within each Community School. They serve as the on-site connector between the school and community, building relationships with students, families, staff, and partners to remove non-academic barriers to learning. By coordinating resources and aligning support, Community School Directors help ensure every student and family has what they need to succeed in school and life.
Kait Dolak brings a strong background in social services, including experience in mental health and higher education, to her role as Community School Director at Erie High. She leads the Family and Community Partnership pillar, focusing on strengthening connections between families, students, and community partners. Kait works to increase family involvement, build neighborhood support, and foster collaboration with community organizations, ensuring students and their families have the resources and relationships they need.
Glen E. Conner Jr. brings leadership, community engagement, and youth development experience to his role as Community School Director at Erie High. With a background in workforce management, trauma-informed youth counseling, and after-school programming, he is dedicated to expanding learning and extracurricular opportunities. He works closely with students, families, and community partners to develop programs that enhance student engagement and success.
Shateria Franklin brings expertise in grant administration with the City of Erie, case management, and behavioral support to her role at United Way. As Community School Director, she is dedicated to understanding students' needs and providing the support necessary for their transitions into and out of high school. She works closely with students and community partners to develop programs that prepare them for life after graduation—whether pursuing higher education or entering the workforce—ensuring they have the resources and guidance to succeed.
Bryan Barton brings four years of experience at Erie High, where he built strong relationships as a Truancy Monitor with Bethesda Lutheran Services. Now serving as Community School Director, Bryan supports the efforts to improve attendance, enhance access to health and wellness supports, and foster a positive school culture. He collaborates with students, families, staff, and community partners to ensure Erie High is a place where all students want to be.
Corporate Partners are integrated partners, not just donors. Their collaboration creates consistency, resources, and opportunities that directly impact student success and family well-being — key pillars of the Community Schools model.
These businesses and organizations provide both financial and volunteer support, working side-by-side with Community School Directors to create meaningful opportunities, improve learning environments, and strengthen connections between schools and the community.
Interested in becoming a Corporate Partner? Contact Julie Chacona, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer, at julie@unitedwayerie.org.
This dashboard provides a comprehensive view of academic performance, attendance, and survey data for McKinley Elementary as a United Way Community School. It contains seven interactive pages, each focusing on a distinct area of data.
These stories highlight real examples of how the United Way Community Schools model is creating lasting change. From improved student engagement to stronger family connections, each story showcases the people, partnerships, and progress driving success across our community.
Through the Community School Model and in partnership with Vision To Learn, Erie High students were able to access critical vision care services on-site this spring. Community School Directors worked closely with school nurses to identify students who had failed vision screenings during the 2024-25 school year.
Through a new career readiness initiative in partnership with Erie Insurance and other local community organizations, senior students gained valuable exposure to industry professionals and career readiness skills this year. During the school day, students participated in skill-building sessions focused on dressing for success, interview techniques, and resume writing.
At Erie High, a United Way Community School, preparing students for life beyond graduation means more than just academics—it’s about providing real-world opportunities. .
