UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2547 Page 1 of 2 XXXX 4/11/2024 12:47 PM Jacketed A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending the 40 public schools throughout 1 the Commonwealth that are implementing the Kentucky Community School Initiative. 2 WHEREAS, community schools provide a holistic approach to education by 3 focusing on the four pillars for student success, which include integrated student 4 supports, expanded learning time and opportunities, active family and community 5 engagement, and collaborative leadership and practices for high quality teaching; and 6 WHEREAS, community schools serve as hubs for collaboration among educators, 7 families, local organizations, and government agencies to create a supportive 8 environment for students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally; and 9 WHEREAS, community schools have proven to be effective in enhancing 10 educational outcomes, fostering community engagement, and addressing the diverse 11 needs of students; and 12 WHEREAS, the alignment of Kentucky’s Family Resource and Youth Services 13 Centers and community school implementation fosters community engagement as equal 14 partners within the school system to ensure a support system to decrease and remove 15 nonacademic barriers so that schools can focus on high quality teaching and learning; and 16 WHEREAS, community schools promote equity and inclusivity by addressing the 17 unique challenges and barriers faced by students from underserved and marginalized 18 communities, thereby narrowing the opportunity gap; and 19 WHEREAS, research indicates that community schools contribute to higher 20 graduation rates, improved student attendance, increased parental involvement, and 21 enhanced academic achievement across diverse student populations; and 22 WHEREAS, investing in community schools is a commitment to providing all 23 students with the resources and support they need to succeed academically and lead 24 fulfilling lives; and 25 WHEREAS, evidence-based results demonstrate that community schools lead to 26 robust and positive academic outcomes that are integral to fostering sustained economic 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2547 Page 2 of 2 XXXX 4/11/2024 12:47 PM Jacketed growth for individual students and their families well into adulthood for increased 1 economic well-being; and 2 WHEREAS, improved academic outcomes of students have shown to generate 3 positive correlative economic growth for our state and increased competitiveness on a 4 national and global scale; and 5 WHEREAS, every child should be given the opportunity to obtain a high quality 6 education; 7 NOW, THEREFORE, 8 Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 9 Kentucky: 10 Section 1. The members of the Senate hereby recognize and commend the 40 11 public schools throughout the Commonwealth that are ushering in a new wave of student 12 success through their participation in the Kentucky Community School Initiative. 13 Section 2. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 14 Resolution to Senator Julie Raque Adams for delivery to the Prichard Committee. 15