California Announces $1.3 Billion Investment in Community Schools

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....