What is the Municipal Model?
The Municipal Model is a strategic initiative of the ISTS network aimed at expanding the roles of educational institutions and cultivating them to be a leading force in communal and educational processes within municipalities. ISTS network actively participates in the planning and management of educational systems at the local level, in a manner that aligns with advanced international models of collaboration between the education system, municipalities, and the community. The methodology is based on five central principles:
- Educational continuity — Multiyear and long term
- 21st century innovative pedagogy
- Fostering schools as leading anchors in the community
- Building and empowering local leadership
- Community resilience
The Implementation
Aligned with global trends towards holistic education and lifelong learning, the Municipal model creates an educational continuum from kindergarten through 12th grade, enabling a smooth transition between educational phases, strengthening the sense of belonging, and empowering students’ capabilities over time. Special emphasis is placed on strengthening the fields of science, engineering, and technology (iSTEAM – innovation, science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics), while nurturing values, community engagement, and youth leadership. This is achieved through collaboration with youth movements, gap year, national service, and meaningful IDF military service, which is the foundation for social and democratic resilience.
Led by educational teams, students, and the community members, the schools serve as community anchors – centers of cultural and social life – where ceremonies, community events, dialogue, round tables, and volunteer activities take place. This approach has been empirically proven to enhance academic achievements, a sense of meaning, and civic engagement.
The Impact
- Systemic change at the community level thanks to a strategic partnership with the municipality
- Improvement in student achievement in core subjects and an increase in the “high-tech index”
- Expansion of participation in meaningful extracurricular activities (e.g., youth movements)
- Integration of pedagogical innovation in a multi-year framework
- Building a sustainable coalition of partners to promote shared goals
- Strengthening the sense of belonging and significance within the school community
- Increase in the scope of student volunteerism and social engagement
- Nurturing young and adult local leadership
A Call for Action
We are seeking committed partners interested in joining us as we build a meaningful educational continuum that spans ages, is rooted in the community, and is grounded in the principles of excellence, innovation, and engagement. The ISTS Network is determined to lay the groundwork for sustainable social change and community renewal across the board.
If you are interested in investing in the future of the State of Israel – this is a call to action. This is the roadmap.
Costs
The total estimated cost for one municipality (community) per year is $330,000. For a three-year period – $1,000,000. We are currently working in some 13 communities.
Who We Are
Founded in 1949, The Israel Sci-Tech Schools Network (ISTS) is the largest education network in Israel, operating for over 75 years. Today, the network comprises 264 educational institutions, including vocational training centers and colleges of practical engineering, in 54 municipalities, of which 17 are in the northern region. The network educates 100,000 students per year, accounting for one in ten Israeli high school students.
Our students represent all layers and segments of Israeli society – Jews and Arabs, secular and religious, central and peripheral – and we are committed to reducing educational, social, and geographical gaps. At the core of our activities lies the notion that education does not operate in a vacuum – it exists at the heart of the community, and at times even constitutes its beating core. ISTS Network strives to cultivate leadership, excellence, and values across all age groups, within a variety of populations and communities, leading its students to extraordinary educational, social, and personal achievements and optimal integration into the global world.
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