SB 287 Summary

• Create the Sustainable Community Schools Act to establish grants up to $5,000 available through the State Department of Education for schools to plan and implement community school programming.

• Limit grant eligibility to Title I schools in improvement status among the lowest achieving 15% of schools, secondary schools among the lowest achieving 15%, high schools with less than 60% graduation rates, or schools identified as being in poverty.

• Require each funded school to establish a School Leadership Team with 12-15 members comprising at least 60% parents, residents, and teachers, plus hire a resource coordinator and program director (if multiple sites funded).

• Grantees must provide minimum of two types of community programming including early childhood education, academics, parental involvement, mental/physical health services, or community involvement; grants are 5-year renewable terms with up to one year allowed for planning.

• Require grantees to submit comprehensive implementation plans, annual reports measuring program participation and impact, and conduct baseline analyses of school and community needs; State Department must report to Governor and Legislature annually beginning August 30, 2016.