News Briefs | FYI
October 19, 2026
State leaders recognized for advancing community schools
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond was among state leaders recognized at the California Community Schools EMPOWER Summit on Sept. 11 for their work to advance community schools.
Thurmond also recognized Gov. Gavin Newsom for elevating whole-child supports and community schools as part of California’s broader educational strategy, and State Board of Education President Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond for her longstanding commitment to equity and creating conditions for students to thrive. Thurmond was then recognized for his advocacy and commitment to advancing community schools across California.
“Community schools bring together the resources students and families need to thrive, because we know student wellness and academic success go hand in hand,” Thurmond said. “I am proud that California continues to lead the nation in this work.”
California has made an unprecedented investment in community schools. The $4.1 billion California Community Schools Partnership Program, the largest community schools investment in the nation, is supporting nearly 2,500 schools statewide. The latest state budget also secured permanent, ongoing funding to expand the program.
Community schools partner with educational, county, nonprofit, and other community organizations to connect students and families with health, mental health, social services, and other supports alongside high-quality instruction. Early evaluations of community schools have found improvements in credit accumulation and math performance, along with a 30 percent greater reduction in chronic absenteeism.
FYI
Lead With Pride Summit coming in 2027
ACSA has rescheduled its Lead With Pride Summit, which will now be held March 24-26 at the Westin Long Beach. School leaders will explore joy, community and leadership at this year’s conference, which empowers California school administrators and educators with the tools to create safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ students and staff. Whether your school is just getting started or building on existing efforts, this conference meets you where you are. Register at bit.ly/LeadWithPride2027.
Community schools funding available in state budget
The 2026 State Budget provides $1 billion in ongoing Prop. 98 General Fund funding to sustain and expand the community school model to additional school sites serving high-need student populations, including students from low-income families, English learners, and youth in foster care. To date, approximately 2,500 schools across California have received community school grants through the California Community Schools Partnership Program. This new, ongoing funding will provide continued resources to current grantees while expanding access to the community school model to additional eligible sites. Under the new CCSPP, a school site is eligible if, based on the previous year’s fall census data, it has more than 65 percent unduplicated pupils and 10 or more enrolled students. For the 2026–27 school year, LEAs must apply by opting in no later than Nov. 1, for eligible school sites. Learn more in the Sept. 4, 2026, letter from Superintendent Thurmond, www.cde.ca.gov/nr/el/le/yr26ltr0904.asp and email questions to the CDE Community Schools Office at CCSPP@cde.ca.gov.