Federal grants would help eligible schools build community school programs

The Education Department would award competitive grants to eligible organizations and agencies to plan, start, or expand community school programs. Eligible schools are public elementary or secondary schools where at least 40 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, or schools identified by the state as needing additional support. The Secretary must give priority to eligible entities that are or include a high-need local education agency or consortium, an agency receiving basic support payments, a rural agency or consortium, or specified Tribal or Native Hawaiian groups. The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Eligible entities may receive grants for planning, five-year implementation, or expansion lasting three to five years. Planning grants may last up to two years; implementation grants last five years; expansion grants last three to five years.

Recipients of implementation grants would coordinate student supports, added learning opportunities, and family and community involvement at eligible schools. These requirements apply to eligible schools served by implementation grants. Each school must receive at least two kinds of student support, such as health or social services, nutrition, or help for students at risk of missing school or falling behind. The implementation plan must explain how services supplement existing programs. Grant-funded activities must serve people without discrimination. These activities apply during the implementation grant period.

The Education Department would award competitive grants to state education agencies to support community school programs across their states. These grants go to state education agencies, which would provide support and subgrants to local education agencies and public schools. A state must apply, and the Secretary may award grants from funds made available for the program. A state must use at least 90 percent of its grant to benefit local schools or education agencies and no more than 10 percent for administration. States would provide local subgrants to start or sustain community schools. The Secretary may award one additional continuation grant lasting one to five years. The bill gives no duration for the initial state grant.