Henry Gradillas

Henry Gradillas, principal of Garfield High School in Los Angeles, California, encourages principals to build support systems around students involving partnerships with parents and the business community. Excerpted from a principals' panel presentation at NCREL's Academy for Urban School Leaders in July 1992.

"The next think you also work is the community, the business community, you're dealing with the local community, which is the hamburger stands and all the businesses around. The animal organizations are great, you know the dogs, the lions, all those people. Hey, they're willing to give money. The local banks, local businesses will do a lot to promote your school."