Charlottesville City Schools outlines community schools expansion; announces van purchase and literacy mentor plans
Summary
Officials described a community schools model grounded in four pillars, announced the arrival of a van to support transportation, and detailed literacy kits, literacy and relationship mentors, MOUs with community partners and evaluation plans tied to available grants.
District staff presented an update on the community schools initiative, which emphasizes four pillars: integrated student supports, expanded learning time, active family and community engagement, and collaborative leadership. The planning-grant funded effort organizes partnerships with local community-based organizations, faith groups and higher education to coordinate supports rather than create standalone programs.
Staff said they purchased a van that arrived on Jan. 7 to provide student and family transportation and to move supplies for programming. The presentation described literacy kits tailored to students’ reading levels, a plan to train literacy mentors (including UVA and PVCC students and community partners), and relationship mentors to build continuity between schools and families. Staff noted MOUs and a standardized data agreement process are being developed to document partner roles and evaluate impact.
Funding avenues discussed included WIOA, Title IV and Virginia Community Schools grants; staff emphasized sustainability and described a Trello-based tracking system and plans to build an evaluation framework with UVA School of Education colleagues. Board members and community speakers raised questions about access to services, the need for an in-school resource hub, how MOUs will be reviewed and how the board and city can coordinate resources during budget season.
Staff said they will return with sample MOUs and evaluation plans and that partner leaders will be invited to give more in‑depth presentations in future meetings.
