Community schools collaborative reports growth; district eyes state funding to add campuses

Co-chairs of the West Contra Costa community-school support collaborative presented an annual update July 15 that focused on implementation, student voice and an agreement to continue monthly standing reports.

Joyce Sinnett (Bay Area Community Resources), parent co-chair Shakira Reynolds and student representatives from All Student Congress described the community-school framework used across the district: integrated student supports (counseling, screenings, care teams), collaborative leadership, family and community engagement, and expanded learning time.

Student speakers Jose Valdez and Keonte Gix spoke about their All Student Congress work, surveys of classmates, and recommendations for teacher training and stronger implementation of anti-racism approaches. "We collected surveys and asked teachers to share them so we all know what students are going through," Jose said during his remarks.

Jeff told the board the state had approved $1 billion in ongoing funding for community schools and staff estimate the district could qualify roughly nine more schools; applications will be due to the California Department of Education by Nov. 1. Staff said they will coordinate a campaign this fall to increase completion of educational-benefits forms, an administrative step that affects eligibility for some grants.

Board members asked for clearer metrics tying community-school activities to student outcomes, budget and staffing plans to support expansion, and a consistent implementation model across sites. A public commenter urged resources be prioritized for unhoused youth.

Staff said the collaborative will return monthly to provide progress monitoring and to share site-level data and recommendations.