The American Falls School District is using the community school model in an exemplary way, and the man helping lead that work is Randy Jensen.

Jensen is the superintendent of the district, and he has made it part of his mission to help reduce poverty in the American Falls community through education, opportunity, and access to resources. Rather than operating as one separate community school, the district uses the community school model across its schools by bringing community resources directly into the school setting. The focus is not only on traditional students, but on adults and families, too.

The district’s community school model includes GED classes, job assistance, workforce training, and access to a health clinic that provides free medical, dental, nutrition, and counseling services on site. There is also an early learning collaborative, a volunteer income tax assistance program, and more.

“You don’t end poverty by just giving people money,” he said. “What ends poverty is helping people gain the skills they need for a better job, a better career, and a better life.”

The district began its partnership with the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health in 2022 when Jensen was introduced to Jackie Yarbrough, a senior program officer who leads the Foundation’s work in education. Their scheduled 30-minute introductory meeting lasted 90 minutes!

“I remember thinking, she thinks exactly like I think,” Jensen said. “It was powerful to realize we weren’t on an island — there were others trying to do the same work.”

The Foundation has supported a variety of programs at the district, including early education, access to behavioral health services, career technical education programs, and more.

“They don’t just provide funding,” Jensen said. “They provide training, expertise, and connections that help you make things happen. As you start doing good things, people want to be a part of it.”

Thank you, Randy, for your partnerships and for championing education in Idaho.