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Alejandra López urges San Antonio to expand community schools model to keep students in class
Summary
Alejandra López, a second-grade teacher and staff advocate, told the Education Opportunities Board that community schools — combining a strong, locally relevant curriculum with on-site wraparound services and restorative practices — improve attendance and retention and must be funded amid budget pressures.
Alejandra López, a second-grade teacher who identified herself as a president supporting school staff, told the Education Opportunities Board that adopting community schools across San Antonio would better meet students’ academic and nonacademic needs. “Un currículum fuerte y que está materialmente relevante para la comunidad” she said, describing a model that pairs rigorous academics with sports, counseling and on-site services.
López outlined four pillars she said are essential to community schools: a strong, systematic curriculum; certified teachers who collaborate to analyze student work; family and community engagement that shares decision-making power; and on-site wraparound services such as food, clothing and counseling. She said the model includes restorative practices to address student behavior and to help students “sentirse seguros.”
Board members and presenters pointed to national reports and local pilots as evidence the model can increase attendance and academic outcomes. López noted research from large districts and a 2021 California investment that supported community-school programs, and she said San Antonio already has examples of services operating on campus.
Several board members asked about implementation across the city’s 17 school districts and the role of a community-schools coordinator. López and others recommended hiring a coordinator for each site to align partners, lead planning meetings and strengthen training. On coordination she said the role would “conducir las juntas y que se pueda tener un entrenamiento fortalecido.”
Speakers repeatedly warned against proposed budget cuts that would reduce school-based services. One board member said cutting funds that support wraparound services “va a ser desastroso para nosotros y para nuestros miembros de la comunidad.” Presenters urged the board to preserve or increase funding for summer programs, extended learning and services that help students stay in school.
The board discussed next steps including connecting presenters with district representatives for implementation planning and asking staff to share detailed proposals and budgets with councilmembers. The board did not take a formal vote; presenters were invited to return with more implementation details.
The meeting adjourned at 11:18 a.m.
