The Californer - Governor Newsom Announces California's Approval of 0.5 Million in Grants for Community Schools

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SACRAMENTO ~ Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the California State Board of Education has unanimously approved $750.5 million in grants for community schools, the largest allocation of funds yet under California's nation-leading initiative to transform thousands of schools into a community school. Community schools provide students and their families with resources and support such as counseling, nutrition programs, tutoring, social services, health care and mental health care services.

Governor Newsom said: "With today's approval of historic levels of funding for community schools, California yet again affirms our commitment to creating schools where all students can thrive. From ending hunger in the classroom to providing mental health services to our students, we're equipping schools to meet the diverse needs of their students inside and outside the classroom. As education continues to be under assault in other parts of the nation, we are proud to be a leader in providing our students with the resources they need to succeed."

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State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond also commented on the approval: "Children learn best when they are healthy, happy, and deeply engaged in learning. And schools operate at their best when families are connected and empowered to work toward common goals. I am grateful to Governor Newsom, the Legislature, State Superintendent Thurmond, and my fellow Board members for continuing to prioritize family partnerships, equity, and a 'whole child' agenda in public education."

The $4.1 billion investment is part of California's effort to dismantle barriers that lead to inequitable student outcomes by providing better access for parents and students throughout California to high-quality instruction and culturally competent wraparound services such as mental health support, tutoring, nutrition programs and free school meals. Research shows that community schools can result in better school attendance rates as well as improved grades and test scores; higher enrollment in college prep classes; higher graduation rates; and more.

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In addition to this investment into community schools today's announcement also included plans for Universal Pre-Kindergarten (with full-scale implementation anticipated by 2025), Universal Extended-Day Learning (all elementary school students will have access by 2025), Universal Free Meals (no student will need to learn on an empty stomach), Youth Behavioral Health (youth ages 0-25 will have access) College Savings Accounts (every low-income public school student will soon have an account opened with a seed deposit) Tutoring + Literacy + Math (schools will help students accelerate academic progress) More Teachers + Counselors + Paraeducators (lower staff-to-student ratios).

California is leading the way when it comes to transforming education by investing billions into initiatives that provide resources for all students regardless of income or family status so they can succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

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