The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2026 aims to significantly improve and expand the full-service community school program . It authorizes substantial appropriations, starting at $500 million for fiscal year 2027 and increasing to $1 billion by fiscal year 2031, to support these initiatives. This funding is intended to bolster comprehensive support systems within schools. The legislation introduces new definitions for key roles such as community school coordinator and community school initiative director , and establishes community-wide leadership teams . It also defines an "eligible school" based on poverty rates or state identification for support, and outlines a results framework for measuring program progress. Central to the program's design are the six pillars of community schools , which guide the integration of services. These pillars include providing integrated student supports , such as medical, dental, mental health, and housing assistance, coordinated by a community school coordinator. They also encompass expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities , offering academic instruction, enrichment activities, and skill development through before-school, after-school, and summer programs. Furthermore, the pillars emphasize active student, family, and community engagement , fostering partnerships and involving stakeholders in school decision-making processes. The remaining pillars focus on collaborative leadership and practices , building a culture of professional learning, trust, and shared responsibility among school and community members. They promote rigorous and engaging classroom instruction that is community-connected, inquiry-based, and culturally relevant to students' identities and experiences. Finally, a culture of belonging, safety, and care is fostered through positive relationships, restorative discipline practices, and a welcoming school climate. The bill establishes three competitive grant types for eligible entities: planning and capacity building grants , implementation grants , and expansion grants . Priority in awarding these grants is given to high-need local educational agencies, rural areas, and Tribal entities. These grants support activities like conducting needs assessments, establishing leadership teams, and delivering services aligned with the community school pillars. Up to 15% of funds are allocated for State grants to support statewide full-service community school efforts, including subgrants to local agencies and establishing state-level steering committees. A dedicated program is also created for Bureau of Indian Education and Tribally-Controlled schools, with provisions for waiving certain requirements. The Secretary is mandated to provide technical assistance and report to Congress on the program's impact, including academic performance and high-school graduation rates, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement.
Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2026
USA119th CongressHR-8752| House
| Updated: 5/12/2026
The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2026 aims to significantly improve and expand the full-service community school program . It authorizes substantial appropriations, starting at $500 million for fiscal year 2027 and increasing to $1 billion by fiscal year 2031, to support these initiatives. This funding is intended to bolster comprehensive support systems within schools. The legislation introduces new definitions for key roles such as community school coordinator and community school initiative director , and establishes community-wide leadership teams . It also defines an "eligible school" based on poverty rates or state identification for support, and outlines a results framework for measuring program progress. Central to the program's design are the six pillars of community schools , which guide the integration of services. These pillars include providing integrated student supports , such as medical, dental, mental health, and housing assistance, coordinated by a community school coordinator. They also encompass expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities , offering academic instruction, enrichment activities, and skill development through before-school, after-school, and summer programs. Furthermore, the pillars emphasize active student, family, and community engagement , fostering partnerships and involving stakeholders in school decision-making processes. The remaining pillars focus on collaborative leadership and practices , building a culture of professional learning, trust, and shared responsibility among school and community members. They promote rigorous and engaging classroom instruction that is community-connected, inquiry-based, and culturally relevant to students' identities and experiences. Finally, a culture of belonging, safety, and care is fostered through positive relationships, restorative discipline practices, and a welcoming school climate. The bill establishes three competitive grant types for eligible entities: planning and capacity building grants , implementation grants , and expansion grants . Priority in awarding these grants is given to high-need local educational agencies, rural areas, and Tribal entities. These grants support activities like conducting needs assessments, establishing leadership teams, and delivering services aligned with the community school pillars. Up to 15% of funds are allocated for State grants to support statewide full-service community school efforts, including subgrants to local agencies and establishing state-level steering committees. A dedicated program is also created for Bureau of Indian Education and Tribally-Controlled schools, with provisions for waiving certain requirements. The Secretary is mandated to provide technical assistance and report to Congress on the program's impact, including academic performance and high-school graduation rates, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement.