Board approves memorandum to continue Communities in Schools program; staff say grant will cover partial salaries

The Hampshire County Schools board voted to approve a memorandum of agreement that continues the district’s partnership with Communities in Schools for the coming school year.

Board members were told the program’s tiered grant is in its third year and that the expected award will cover partial staff salaries. A staff presenter said the district has rollover funds when positions go unfilled and that those funds are being used to sustain the program. The presenter added they are applying for an additional grant to “cushion” funding but did not provide details because the application is not yet guaranteed.

A board member said it would be “a sad, sad day” if the district lost the funding, arguing the program improves attendance and provides supports that free teachers from performing social‑work duties.

“I was a school counselor in this county when we received Communities in Schools,” a school counselor told the board. “It was a breath of fresh air because I finally had some support.” The counselor said the program helps students, supports teachers, and connects with the McKinney‑Vento services for students experiencing housing instability. The counselor added they have been asked to help train other counties statewide on McKinney‑Vento practices and that local staff will be needed to maintain day‑to‑day services while they perform short training sessions online.

Chair recommendation, motion and second The chair recommended the board approve the memorandum of agreement as presented. A motion was made and seconded; Ms. Bowlin seconded the motion. The chair called for a voice vote and declared the motion passed.

What the decision means Board members were given no numerical breakdown in the presentation: the staff presenter said the grant award will be smaller each year under the tiered schedule but did not provide dollar amounts or a precise headcount of covered positions. The presenter said rollover funds have been used when a position could not be filled and that staff are pursuing an additional grant to supplement resources.

Next steps The memorandum was approved at the meeting and the district will proceed with the Communities in Schools agreement for the next school year. Staff said they will continue pursuing supplemental grant funding and will rely on existing rollover funds to sustain service levels.