Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1544915
Students and their teacher at Buena Vista Horace Mann K–8 in San Francisco, a community school. Commitment to Community Schools: A model for public schools Our union is committed to helping grow and support Cal- ifornia Community Schools, in partnership with students, families, communities, school districts and the state. The community schools model of meaningful shared governance and shared decision-making has proven to be a resounding success: In a year 's time, according to a Learning Policy Institute (LPI) study, students at community schools have made major gains in academic achievement and social-emotional well-being. Community schools have transformed into neighborhood hubs that integrate high-cal- iber education with mental and physical health and other community services to support students and their families. The state has provided $4 billion to fund the California Community Schools Partnership Program, and nearly 2,500 schools, or about 25% of the state's campuses, have received grant funding since 2021. In his 2026–27 State Budget, Gov. Newsom is proposing an ongoing annual appropriation of $1 billion to CCSPP to maintain and expand community schools. Under his proposal, an additional 3,700 schools would be eligible for funding each year. "Our union fully supports ensuring the sustainability of community schools by building this funding into the state budget formula," said Goldberg. With more funding on the horizon for Community Schools, our union is advocating for shared governance models in every layer of the community schools infrastructure, strengthened eligibility, oversight and accountability measures, and improved systems of support for implementation guidance. "By pairing sustained funding with clear eligibility stan- dards, strong accountability and aligned support systems, community schools can continue to be transformative spaces that uplift students, families and entire communities," Goldberg added. In addition to significant academic gains, the LPI study showed students at community schools increased atten- dance and engagement at schools: Chronic absenteeism declined, on average, 30% more than at comparison schools and suspension rates decreased by an average of 15% while comparison schools saw slight increases. Gains were greater at elementary schools and among underserved students. Community schools' whole-child approach with programs and services tailored to individual school and student needs; and student, parent and community voice in decision-mak- ing and governance results in students, their families and community members who are more connected and engaged with school. To learn more about CTA's work with community schools, visit cta.org/communityschools. 3 C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S 40 cta.org Feature