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, with the assistance of United Way backbone staff, help ensure every student and family has what they need to succeed in school and life.
Courtney joined Pfeiffer-Burleigh in 2021 as a truancy monitor and stepped into the Community School Director role in 2024. Her extensive background in education and social services includes experience as an educator, early childhood program administrator, volunteer coordinator, adult education instructor, and social services program director.
As a parent of two sons who have attended Erie’s Public Schools, Courtney understands the challenges families navigate and is dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive environment for all students and families.
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 detailed view of academic performance, attendance, and survey data for Pfeiffer-Burleigh 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.
Kindergarten readiness isn't only knowing how to share with classmates or count to 10. Sometimes, it's knowing where the bathroom is. It's practicing raising your hand. It's walking through the cafeteria. It's meeting the adults you'll see every day. And sometimes, it's learning that Mom or Dad won't always be right beside you.
Glasses. For some of us, they’re second nature. Others may never needed them. But as technology use continues to grow, vision concerns among children are becoming more common.
