SB 1021 Summary

• Department of Education administers a comprehensive community schools pilot program for fiscal years ending June 30, 2020 and 2021, awarding grants of up to $50,000 for start-up grants (maximum 4 recipients) and up to $125,000 for implementation grants (maximum 4 recipients, with no more than 2 in educational reform districts).

• Applicants must establish a community school planning and oversight team of 12-18 members including parents, teachers, school principal, and community partners; only local or regional boards of education in alliance districts and lead partner agencies may apply.

• Implementation grant applicants must include a community school plan, demonstrate five-year lead partner agency support, create or designate a community schools coordinator position, coordinate family resource center services, and provide evidence of parental engagement and union support.

• Department of Education must evaluate the pilot program by August 15, 2020 and 2021, assessing student engagement, academic achievement, parental engagement, community services access, budget savings, and lessons learned.

• Establishes the Connecticut Community Schools Consortium administered by a steering committee to share best practices, coordinate services, and meet quarterly; steering committee must submit annual reports to the General Assembly.