A reminder that community members are invited to a discussion on improving neighborhood schools tonight that will include talks by two authors who gained national attention for their efforts to turn around an underperforming elementary school in Chicago.

Authors Jacqueline Edelberg and Susan Kurland describe in How to Walk to School: Blueprint for a Neighborhood Renaissance the transformation of Nettelhorst, an elementary school in Chicago. Both women were pivotal in the school’s turnaround and now consult with civic organizations and neighborhood groups on improving local schools. They will talk about their work at tonight’s gathering, which begins at 5:45 in the Lea School auditorium (4700 Locust St.)

Other speakers at tonight’s meeting include:

• Stanford Thomspon, the director of Tune Up Philly.
• Sterling Baltimore, the director of the Lea Community School (afterschool program)
• Maurice D. Jones Sr., Lea Elementary Home and School Association president
• Daniel Lazar, Greenfield Elementary principal.

The gathering will offer parents and community members the chance to connect with Home and School Association representatives. Lea’s gLea Club will also perform.

The meeting is sponsored by the West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools and hosted by The Enterprise Center CDC and the Parents in Action Council.