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Danville Public Schools says Communities In Schools now reaches more students after rapid expansion
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Summary
District presenters told the board CIS now serves five schools with a 150% increase in students reached (over 3,000 in tier 1 supports and roughly 300 in tier 2/3). District staff said they are recruiting a community‑embedded director and plan more student-centered presentations to show results.
District leaders reported substantial growth in the Communities In Schools (CIS) program at the Feb. 12 school board meeting, saying the program now serves five schools and has expanded both Tier 1 supports and more intensive Tier 2/3 interventions.
Willie Gillis, senior director for emerging programs (introduced by Dr. Latimer), presented data the district described as a 150% increase in students served since 2023–24. The presenter said CIS provides embedded, school-based case management and family connections to resources; the district reported that Tier 1 services now reach over 3,000 students while Tier 2 and Tier 3 services serve approximately 300 students. The presentation cited outcomes including a 67% goal-achievement rate, an 83% promotion rate, and 100% graduation among the seniors included in the CIS cohorts noted.
Board members asked about program staffing and a permanent director. The presenter said the district is actively recruiting a director who will be embedded in the community and that Dr. Harrison (superintendent) and district staff are leading the interim efforts through June. The presenter also said the district would bring students to a future meeting to share success stories rather than relying solely on staff reports.
The presentation highlighted partnerships with community organizations, on-site admissions opportunities tied to an MEAC trip, and results tied to specific schools (for example, a reported science achievement increase at George Washington). Board members expressed support and asked for follow-up visibility into impact stories and the director search.
No formal board action was taken on Feb. 12. The board indicated continued support for CIS and asked staff to return with additional evidence of student impact and progress.
