“Innovative schools have a greater chance at sustaining their success if they are members of a network of like-minded schools, and assisted by a third-party organization,” stated Dan French, Executive Director of the Center for Collaborative Education, in an EdWeek commentary. (Dan French, “Boston’s Pilot Schools: Progress and Promise in Urban School Reform,” Education Week, April 19,2006, Vol. 25, Issue 32, Pages 33-34.) The Boston Pilot/Horace Mann Schools Network, convened by the Center for Collaborative Education (CCE), unites the Pilot Schools, two of which are Horace Mann charter schools. (Horace Mann charter schools are granted autonomy by the state department of education while also remaining part of the district and teachers union. There are two Horace Mann charters in Boston.  “Pilot Schools Network” will be used hereafter for simplicity, but continues to refer to the Pilot/Horace Mann Schools Network.)
   The first two-day leadership retreat for the Pilot Schools was held in April 1997.  At the time, Pilot Schools were still operating individually, and negotiating separately with the district.  During this retreat, Pilot Schools agreed to the following: 1) to unite and form the Boston Pilot Schools Network, in order to have one unified voice in negotiating with the district, 2) to develop and endorse a set of guiding principles which would govern the network, and 3) to have the Center for Collaborative Education (CCE) serve as the network’s coordinating organization.  (See List of CCE Services in Tools and Resources.)
   In subsequent years, the Pilot Schools Network has continued its function of sharing practice and addressing common concerns.  The network creates opportunities for learning among schools, including staff sharing conferences, leadership retreats, and committees on fiscal autonomy and special education.  Involvement in the network has grown, and now includes administrators, teachers and staff, family and community members, and students.  According to one Pilot School principal, the Pilot Schools Network “opens up a whole new world….You’re no longer an island; everyone is working together.”
   The Center for Collaborative Education provides the Pilot Schools with coordination and support.  Services include coaching, professional development, advocacy, research, and financial management.  CCE and the Pilot Schools Network work collaboratively with the district on issues unique to Pilot Schools.