Establishes the community schools act; appropriation

Section two amends the education law by adding a new section 3602-g d which establishes within the department of education a community schools gram program to fund the planning, implementation, improvement and evaluation of community schools.

Section Three appropriates twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000), or so much thereof as may be necessary, to the education department from any moneys in the state treasury in the general fund to the credit of the local assistance account not otherwise appropriated, and made immediately available, for the purpose of carry out the provisions of the act for the 2016-17 school year.

Section 4 of the bill contains the effective date.

Justification

The Community Schools Act will establish a state grant program to fund the planning and implementation of the community school model in low performing schools. The Act will provide the opportunity for schools to fully engage students, parents, teachers, school leaders and communities in developing a comprehensive plan that meets their students' needs and improves educational outcomes; the act will also provide funding to implement this plan.

Schools in low-income communities are struggling to provide their students with a quality education and the opportunity to succeed in school and life. Many of the difficulties faced by schools are tied to the challenges in their communities: the impact of poverty on families and communities has a direct effect on school and student success. Many of our schools are not equipped to address the needs of all of their students, nor are they able to address the desires of the parents and families. As long as these needs go unmet, students are much less likely to succeed at school.

Although many services and benefits are available for low-income children and families, they are often not well-coordinated and connected to the school system. Community Schools integrate academics, services and supports in order to meet the full spectrum of student needs. These schools become hubs for their communities, providing students and families with a broad spectrum of services and supports easily accessible through the schools. The availability of additional help increases the potential for success for the impacted students. This comprehensive community-based approach improves student outcomes and lead to stronger families and healthier communities.

Community Schools are also cost-effective. They conveniently bring existing services and private entities to the schools where students are already located, leveraging local, state, federal and private dollars to better meet student and community needs. Community schools provide an engaging and culturally relevant curriculum, a positive school climate, wrap around health, social and emotional services, positive discipline practices such as restorative justice, and transformational parent and community engagement. There is no single program that will turn around our schools - only a comprehensive approach will succeed. Community schools provide that comprehensive solution to the many challenges faced by public schools in low-income communities, and have been proven to deliver high-quality educational opportunities and improved educational outcomes.

Legislative history

New Bill

Fiscal implications

This measure appropriates two hundred fifty million dollars ($250,000,000), or so much thereof as may be necessary, to the education department from any moneys in the state treasury in the general fund to the credit of the local assistance account not otherwise appropriated, and made immediately available, for the purpose of carry out the provisions of the act for the 2016-17 school year.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.