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Committee adopts amendment to Community Schools Act; bill clarifies coordinator role and pillars
Summary
The Senate Education Committee approved an amendment to the Community Schools Act (SB291) that strengthens language to require the four pillars of community schools and defines the community school coordinator role; proponents said the change will help districts adopt proven practices and access federal grants.
The Senate Education Committee voted to adopt an amendment to the Community Schools Act that clarifies program elements and codifies the community school coordinator role.
Corey Biggs of Forward Arkansas testified the model is evidence-based and already in early use in Batesville and Little Rock. Biggs said the coordinator is essential: 'That person is the person who is ultimately tasked with reaching out into the community and forming these partnerships to bring resources to bear.' The amendment’s language was described by sponsors as ensuring inclusion of all four pillars of the model so implementation occurs with fidelity rather than piecemeal.
Senators pressed whether the bill should prioritize traditional public schools over charter schools to maximize impact given limited community partners and resources. Biggs and the sponsor said the bill was written to apply broadly to traditional public schools, conversion charters and open-enrollment charters but noted the legislation’s earlier sections address traditional public schools first. Supporters highlighted that community-school designation can also help districts pursue federal grants.
After discussion, the committee approved the amendment and passed the measure 'do pass as amended' by voice vote.
