SF2007

This bill modifies provisions for implementing and funding full-service community schools in Minnesota. It amends Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.231, to define key terms, establish funding guidelines, and set oversight requirements for these schools.

Key Provisions:

1. Definitions & Structure:

   • Clarifies the roles of community organizations, school consortiums, leadership teams, initiative directors, and site coordinators.
   • Specifies that eligible schools must be under a development plan for school improvement or within a district with an approved achievement and integration plan.

2. Funding & Implementation:

   • Allocates up to:
     • $100,000 per school annually for planning activities.
     • $200,000 per school for three years for implementation.
   • Requires schools to hire a site coordinator, and districts with multiple funded schools must have an initiative director.
   • Prioritizes schools with high numbers of low-income, homeless, or highly mobile students.

3. School Leadership & Planning:

   • Schools must establish a full-service community school leadership team to oversee needs assessments and program implementation.
   • Schools must conduct a baseline needs analysis to assess student demographics, academic performance, attendance, discipline, and community resources.
   • Schools must create a full-service community school plan offering at least two types of support services (e.g., early childhood education, academic support, family engagement, mental/physical health, community involvement).

4. Program Review & Accountability:

   • Schools must submit annual reports on program effectiveness, community engagement, and student/family outcomes.
   • The Commissioner of Education will evaluate reports based on academic impacts, student retention, community partnerships, and funding sustainability.

5. Appropriations:

   • $19 million per year for the full-service community schools program through at least fiscal year 2028.
   • Funds priority schools first (existing full-service schools, then low-performing schools).
   • Allows up to 2% of the funds for grant administration and another 2% for professional network development among community schools.

Overall Purpose:

This bill strengthens support for full-service community schools by refining program guidelines, clarifying leadership structures, increasing funding for implementation, and establishing stronger oversight and evaluation processes. The goal is to enhance student outcomes by integrating academic, health, and social services directly into schools.