Us Congress Senate Bill SB3360

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/29/23
• Refer: 11/29/23

Caption

Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2023

Impact

The proposed legislation amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to include provisions that require eligible entities, such as local educational agencies, to develop comprehensive plans for creating or improving full-service community schools. This includes ensuring that these schools provide access to healthcare, mental health services, and family support programs, thereby addressing the holistic needs of students. The expansion will facilitate coordination between schools and community-based organizations, promoting collaborative efforts to enhance education and well-being for students and families.

Summary

SB3360, titled the ‘Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2023,’ focuses on expanding and improving full-service community schools across the country. The bill authorizes significant appropriations, amounting to $500 million for fiscal year 2024, with funding levels planned to increase annually to reach $1 billion by 2028. This financial support aims to enhance educational outcomes by providing integrated student support and enriched learning opportunities tailored to the unique needs of communities, particularly those with high percentages of low-income students or high-need schools.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on underserved communities and educational equity, there are concerns regarding implementation details and state control over education policies. Critics argue that it places excessive administrative burdens on schools and local agencies and express caution over whether sufficient oversight will ensure funds are used effectively. Another point of contention is the potential for competing priorities when local agencies align their services with state and federal guidelines, raising questions about balance in local autonomy and federal oversight.