California’s Education Board approved $1.3 billion for its public school districts to expand and support community schools, Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced May 8.
Community schools are those that partner with local organizations and businesses to provide academic, health, and social services to students and their families.
This year’s round of funds will go to 288 school districts in the state.
In the press release, Mr. Thurmond said that community schools help break down barriers that hold low-income students back from thriving.
“By remaining committed to transformative outcomes for our students, our community schools have become leaders in not only identifying the barriers that hold kids back but also creating innovative solutions that effectively support children to learn and thrive,” he said.
The funding is a part of expansion of community schools across the state under the California Community Schools Partnership Program, which began in 2021.
Since that time, the program has received $4.1 billion.
Mr. Thurmond’s office also highlighted the Fresno Unified School District, which used its community school funds for food and clothing pantries, family resource fairs and transportation solutions.
With the state currently facing a $28 billion deficit, California Gov. Gavin Newsom did not recommend the program’s funding be cut in his revised budget proposal for the upcoming 2024-25 fiscal year, released earlier this month.
However, the state’s nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended in its own report dated May 17 it be cut by $1 billion.
Travis Gillmore contributed to this report.
