22-32-3: Community schools initiatives; school improvement functions; requirements.

A. A community schools initiative may be created in any public school in the state and may be created as a consortium of public schools.

B. A community schools initiative shall include the following:

(1) a lead partner agency, including a public or private agency or community-based organization, to help coordinate programs and services;

(2) an annual assessment that is a meaningful and collaborative inquiry process to develop a comprehensive understanding of local needs and assets and of community resources that is conducted by the community school coordinator and informed by the site-based leadership team and that relates to the effective alignment and delivery of programs and services within the community school; and

(3) the community school framework.

C. A lead partner agency for more than three public schools shall provide a full-time position that supports the community school coordinators at those public schools.

D. Where early childhood services and supports are indicated as a need, a community school site-based leadership team shall prioritize strong partnerships and integration with early childhood providers located both on and off the public school campus, including transportation to meet community needs.