As a model community school, Sheridan Preparatory Academy was the backdrop Friday for a news conference calling on legislative leaders to invest $100 million to increase the number of community schools statewide.
Representatives from New York State United Teachers and area schools, along with Assemblymembers Angelo Santabarbara and Mary Beth Walsh, gathered at Sheridan Prep to advocate for the funding and learn about the school’s program.
Community schools receive additional money to serve as neighborhood hubs that provide services to students and families during and beyond the regular school day. The funding allows a school to provide, or partner with a community organization to provide, services tailored to the needs of that particular school.
At Sheridan Prep, families have access to a washer and dryer, a food pantry, a garden and a clothes closet. There are more than a dozen clubs for students. A dedicated parent group helps family members advocate for their children’s education.
The keys, said Community School Site Coordinator Abigail Gomes, are empowering parents and building ongoing relationships with community partners to support and sustain programs.
Sheridan Prep is one of seven community schools in the district. The others are Arbor Hill Elementary, Giffen Memorial Elementary, Philip Schuyler Achievement Academy, Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology and Tony Clement Center for Education.
“The support from the state’s community schools funding has been invaluable for our school district,” said Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams. “This has allowed us to invest in a wide range of programs and services to benefit our students and families at these schools. These include extended-day programs, workshops for parents and guardians, hands-on STEM opportunities, programs to assist families with food insecurity, increased access to healthcare services and more.
"We urge the state to continue to expand community schools funding so students and families in other school districts throughout New York can also benefit from these critical services.”
Replicating this success requires a significant infusion of state resources. Statewide, fewer than 300 out of more than 700 school districts utilize the community school model, according to NYSUT.
“Getting back to ‘normal’ isn’t good enough for our students — it’s time we demand a public education system that truly supports every child,” NYSUT President Andy Pallotta said. “When children face poverty, when their families face food insecurity, when they don’t have access to health care or social services, they don’t come to school ready to learn in the first place. That’s where community schools change the game, helping students and families thrive.”
New annual state funding of $100 million dedicated specifically to creating more community schools and hiring community school coordinators — invaluable staff who can both help develop community school programming and dedicate themselves to triage work connecting families in need with services not provided by the school itself — could double the number of districts utilizing the model statewide.
Research indicates it’s a smart investment: Nationally, a 2019 study from the ABC Community School Partnership estimated for every $1 invested in establishing a community school and hiring a site coordinator, the average return on investment was roughly $7.
Legislative allies are standing with unions and school communities in advocating for that funding in the state budget due April 1.
“The aim of the community school model is to provide wrap-around services that eliminate barriers to learning,” state Sen. Neil Breslin said. “A student who attends a community school could have access to services like tutoring, homework help, ENL classes, or a meal, regardless of the income of a family. Community schools are a pillar of our society, and I will continue to support them.”
“It doesn’t matter if they’re in an urban, suburban or rural school district, every student can benefit from the services provided by community schools,” Assemblymember Walsh said. “I am thankful for the opportunity to tour Sheridan Prep in Albany to gain a better understanding of all of the beneficial programs community schools provide and hope to see financial support for them in this year's enacted budget."
“The community school model has the potential to not only help students succeed, but also connect kids and parents to services that aren’t always readily available,” Assemblymember Santabarbara said. “It’s a great opportunity to see these programs in action at Albany’s Sheridan Prep and explore opportunities that could benefit school districts across the state.
"Whether it’s a school district in an urban or rural area of our community, our students should have access to the resources they need to learn and grow.”
