State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Among State Leaders Recognized for Advancing California Community Schools

ONTARIO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond was among state leaders recognized at the California Community Schools EMPOWER Summit today for their work to advance community schools.

Superintendent Thurmond presented recognitions to Governor Gavin Newsom for elevating whole-child supports and community schools as part of California’s broader educational strategy, and State Board of Education President Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond for her longstanding commitment to deeper learning, equity, and creating conditions for students to thrive. Superintendent Thurmond was then recognized for his advocacy and commitment to advancing community schools across California.

“I’m honored to be recognized alongside Governor Newsom and Dr. Darling-Hammond for our shared commitment to community schools,” Superintendent Thurmond said. “Community schools bring together the resources students and families need to thrive, because we know student wellness and academic success go hand in hand. I am proud that California continues to lead the nation in this work.”

California has made an unprecedented investment in community schools. The $4.1 billion California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP), the largest community schools investment in the nation, is supporting nearly 2,500 schools statewide. The latest state budget also secured permanent, ongoing funding to expand the community schools program.

Community schools partner with educational, county, nonprofit, and other community organizations to connect students and families with health, mental health, social services, and other supports alongside high-quality instruction. Early evaluations of community schools have found improvements in credit accumulation and math performance, along with a 30percent greater reduction in chronic absenteeism among participating schools.

More information about community schools can be found on the California Community Schools Partnership Program web page.

# # # #

Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100