Megan Gallagher
About Megan Gallagher
Megan Gallagher: Principal Research Associate
Megan Gallagher serves as a Principal Research Associate at the Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center and the Center on Education Data and Policy. In her role, Gallagher focuses on the intersection of housing and education, advocating for collaborative approaches to tackle segregation and promote integration within schools and communities.
Advocacy for Collaboration Between School Officials and Housing Developers
Megan Gallagher emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration between school officials and housing developers to address segregation. She advocates for the use of integrated housing as a strategy to create more diverse and inclusive schools. Gallagher believes that by working together, these stakeholders can develop solutions to overcome segregation and foster a more equitable educational environment.
Shared Data Tools Between Districts and Urban Planners
Gallagher places a strong emphasis on the use of shared data tools between school districts and urban planners. She highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making in creating integrated schools and neighborhoods. By utilizing shared data, stakeholders can better understand the links between housing and education, facilitating more informed and effective strategies to combat segregation.
Limitations of School Choice and Current Tools
Megan Gallagher supports the idea that school choice is a market-driven strategy with inherent limitations. She discusses the shortcomings of current tools available to school officials for addressing school segregation, pointing out that without comprehensive strategies and political will, these tools often fall short of achieving true integration.
Political Will and Community Buy-In for Integrated Schools
Gallagher stresses the critical role of political will and community buy-in in the effort to create integrated schools. She believes that achieving integration requires not only strategic planning but also the commitment and support of both policymakers and local communities. Gallagher underscores the necessity of unified efforts to bring about meaningful change in segregated school systems.