                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS; INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE; OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SCHOOLS AT THE
DEPARTMENT (§ 22.1-199.7)

A. In order to remove nonacademic barriers to learning as a means to enhance
student academic success in public elementary and secondary schools throughout
the Commonwealth, the Department shall establish an interagency task force
composed of state and local agencies and entities in the areas of early
childhood development, health, social services, community engagement, family
engagement, higher education, communities in schools, and workforce development
for the purpose of (i) developing a program for the establishment of community
schools whereby public elementary and secondary schools serve as centers for the
provision of such community programs and services to students and their families
as may be necessary on the basis of unique needs of the student population to be
served and (ii) developing and providing to the Governor, the Secretary of
Education, local school boards, and other interested state, local, and private
entities policy recommendations relating to the coordinated delivery of
community services to students and their families and the operation of community
schools throughout the Commonwealth in accordance with the Virginia Community
School Framework.

B. The community schools program established pursuant to subsection A shall
include a process by which school boards and community partnerships consisting
of school boards and other community and service providers may apply to the
Department to designate an elementary or secondary school in the local school
division as a community school. The application process shall include
requirements for applicants to provide a plan for the sustainability of the
community school and for the measurement of the success and effectiveness of the
community school. The Department shall consult with the interagency task force
established pursuant to subsection A in the selection of applications and the
designation of community schools.

C. The Department shall establish the Office of Community Schools as an office
within the Department for the purpose of supporting the development and growth
of community schools throughout the Commonwealth in accordance with the Virginia
Community School Framework by collaborating with the interagency task force
established pursuant to subsection A; administering state funds provided to
school divisions to develop and sustain community school models; assisting
school leaders in the application for federal grant funds for their community
school models; and providing technical assistance to school personnel and
contracted coordinators regarding effective practices and models for community
schools and capital considerations relating to community schools, including site
acquisition and building construction, renovations, and additions.

HISTORY: 2020, c. 872; 2024, cc. 797, 815.