Advocates urge Austin to keep school-based CIS supports, citing academic and fiscal benefits

Maria Zavankopoulos, representing Communities and Schools of Central Texas, told the Audit and Finance Committee on April 15 that sustained school-based, trauma-informed supports pay off for students and taxpayers. Zavankopoulos said a new multi‑state analysis of education, census and tax records covering millions of Texas students shows sustained access to Communities In Schools in middle school increases high‑school graduation and strengthens long‑term economic mobility.

"Three years of CIS at an estimated cost of about $3,000 per student is projected to generate approximately $7,100 in additional lifetime federal tax revenue per student in present value," Zavankopoulos said, summarizing the study's fiscal case and arguing the investment "more than pays for itself through increased earnings and tax contributions." She also reported local program results for the most recent year, saying nearly all students stayed in school and large shares showed academic, attendance or behavior improvement.

The presentation framed CIS as both a student‑support strategy and a preventative public‑policy investment that can reduce later costs tied to crisis care or more intensive public systems. Committee members did not debate or vote on the request during the meeting; the comment was submitted during the public‑comment portion of the agenda and will inform future budget and partnership discussions.