This bill proposes modifications to Minnesota’s full-service community schools program and provides funding for its implementation.

Key Provisions:

1. Definitions Expansion:

   • Clarifies the role of community organizations, school leadership teams, and site coordinators.
     
   • Defines what constitutes a community school consortium and programming.
     
   • Establishes the positions of a Full-Service Community School Initiative Director and school site coordinators.
     

2. Funding for Full-Service Community Schools:

   • Provides funding to school districts and charter schools to plan, implement, and enhance full-service community schools.
     
   • Allocates up to $100,000 per school for planning and up to $200,000 per year per school for three years of implementation.
     
   • Requires schools receiving funding to employ a full-time site coordinator and, for districts with three or more community schools, a Full-Service Community School Initiative Director.
     

3. Eligibility Criteria for Schools:

   • Schools qualify if they are under a continuous improvement development plan or if they are in a district with an achievement and integration plan approved by the Commissioner of Education.
     

4. Planning and Program Requirements:

   • Schools must establish a "Full-Service Community School Leadership Team" to oversee planning and implementation.
     
   • Schools must complete a baseline analysis identifying student needs, demographic trends, and available community resources.
     
   • Schools must develop a comprehensive school plan with at least two of the following types of programming:
     • Early childhood education
       
     • Academic support and enrichment
       
     • Parental involvement
       
     • Mental and physical health services
       
     • Community engagement
       
     • Positive behavioral discipline practices
       

5. Reporting and Accountability:

   • Schools must submit annual reports on program implementation, community participation, and student outcomes.
     
   • Reports should assess academic improvement, retention rates, stakeholder engagement, financial savings, and overall effectiveness.
     

6. Appropriations:

   • $19 million per year appropriated for fiscal years 2025-2027. The base allocation for 2028 and beyond remains at $19 million annually.
     
   • Prioritization of funding for:
     1. Existing full-service community school sites with established programming.
        
     2. Schools identified as low-performing under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
        
     3. Other eligible applicants.
        
   • Up to 2% of funds can be used for grant administration and another 2% for professional network development among participating community schools.
     

Overall Impact:

This bill enhances the full-service community school model by providing additional funding and refining oversight processes. It prioritizes equity, student support services, and partnerships between schools and community organizations, focusing on improving academic success and student well-being.