Community schools have gained attention as mechanisms to bring about equitable access to high-quality educational resources, extended learning time and opportunities, integrated student supports, and collaborative engaging relationships with parents and communities. In order to effectively create conditions that provide equitable access to such resources, community school leaders need to employ specific strategies and collaborative practices for the implementation of such strategies can support their efficacy. This brief examines research on educational leadership and the importance--for school climate, student learning and relations--of strong collaborative relationships between community partners, teachers and school leaders. This paper considers the research on collaboration between families, communities and schools with attention to how community schools in particular are well-positioned to take advantage of strategies that draw on the knowledge and skills of multiple stakeholders. (A list of notes and references is included.)