Research and Resources
Publications, case studies, and field notes from work across sectors.
1 resource
May 2026
School District of Indian River County Case Study
The School District of Indian River County provides a window into how districts and their philanthropic partners are responding. This is not a struggling system attempting turnaround. It is a high-performing district, ranked 5th in Florida after climbing from 38th in just five years, that is simultaneously losing students despite its success. The paradox is increasingly common: excellence is not enough. In choice markets, districts must compete, communicate, and adapt with speed that traditional governance structures were not designed to provide. This case study examines how one district and its re-imagined education foundation are attempting to do exactly that. It documents an emerging partnership model where local education philanthropy functions as civic R&D capital, strategic thought partner, and market enabler rather than gap-filler or programmatic supporter.