Adeira Robinson, chief executive officer of Communities and Schools of Ohio (CIS), testified during the public-comment period of the Columbus budget hearing and requested a $150,000 budget amendment to fund school-based site coordinators.

Robinson described CIS as a 501(c)(3) that provides full-time site coordinators who connect students to academic assistance, behavioral interventions, family engagement and attendance supports. She said CIS currently partners with 29 central-Ohio schools, including nine Columbus City Schools, and that last year the organization served more than 16,000 students and case-managed more than 1,900 students. "I respectfully request your support for a $150,000 budget amendment," Robinson told council, saying the funding would expand supports and could be combined with federal and philanthropic dollars to maximize reach.

Robinson cited outcome metrics for case-managed students: 96% graduated on time or remained on track, 80% met or made progress toward attendance goals, and 88% met or made progress toward behavior goals. She described chronic absenteeism as a statewide challenge and argued that modest investments in site coordinators yield significant educational and fiscal returns for school districts and communities.

Council leaders acknowledged the request and urged CIS to engage in follow-up hearings on education, workforce and health-and-human-services agendas this winter. The council noted that many nonprofit requests reflect funding gaps caused by reductions at the state and district level, and that the city will consider requests as it refines priorities during the January hearings.