SB 527 Summary

• Establishes the Learning Communities for School Success Program to administer K-12 education grants funded by the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act (Proposition 47), with 25% of fund savings allocated to the State Department of Education.

• Authorizes grants to local educational agencies (school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools) for three-year periods to implement evidence-based, nonpunitive programs addressing truancy, dropout prevention, and school climate.

• Requires grant applicants to demonstrate alignment with their local control and accountability plan goals and establish a 20% local matching contribution (cash or in-kind).

• Grants may fund community schools, attendance improvement programs, restorative practices, social-emotional learning, partnerships with community-based organizations, and additional staff for chronic absenteeism intervention; grants cannot fund law enforcement activities.

• Prioritizes funding to local educational agencies with high chronic absenteeism or suspension rates, high crime communities, or significant foster youth populations; requires department evaluation reports to the Legislature by January 31, 2019 (interim) and January 31, 2020 (final).