Communities In Schools® (CIS™) Offers Support for Biden Administration Budget
Arlington, Va. - May 28, 2021 - Communities In Schools® (CIS ™), the national organization that ensures every student, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond, today expressed optimism about the proposed budget released by President Biden’s administration. The budget proposal released today prioritizes education spending that will help create a more equitable experience for all students by investing in programs that support the whole child.
The proposed budget includes a historic $20 billion increase for Title I of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the largest federal education funding source targeting schools with the highest percentage of low-income families.
CIS National President and CEO Rey Saldaña said the investment would provide historically under-resourced schools with the funding needed to deliver a high-quality education to all students during and after the school day.
“Research shows that more money spent on education consistently meant better outcomes for students across their lifespan,” said Saldaña. “When we target these increased funds to evidence-based models and programs designed to bring resources where they are needed most, that investment is even more impactful.”
This budget request also recognizes that for many students, academic learning cannot happen without the integration of academic and non-academic supports to break down barriers to success by utilizing the valuable resources that lay within communities. These types of resources are as important as ever, as students are facing a significant COVID-slide in instructional loss.
CIS National Board Members said that while implementing plans for maximum educational continuity is of top concern, the administration must not overlook comprehensive strategies that break down barriers to learning.
“We’re excited to see a strong show of support for a comprehensive strategy that is designed for the reengagement of students and recovery,” said Arne Duncan, Board Member of CIS and former U.S. Secretary of Education. “Funding the Full Service Community Schools program at $443 million will play a critical role in providing integrated student supports and comprehensive wrap-around services to students and their families.”
Elaine Wynn, CIS National Board Chair said she is pleased to see that the Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants under Title IV-A of ESSA remained level funded. The funding is designed to ensure that districts have access to programs that foster safe and healthy students, provide students with a well-rounded education, and increase the effective use of technology in our nation’s schools.
“Our students have been faced with unprecedented trauma, disruption, and loss throughout the past year. This funding can help schools provide resources that address trauma and create an overall climate of safety and trust,” said Wynn. “This proposed budget helps point us in the right direction in reimagining a school system that provides a level playing field for all students. Communities In Schools looks forward to working with the administration to further this goal and calls on Congress to pass the requests in the President’s budget.”
About Communities In Schools
Communities In Schools® (CIS™) is a national organization that ensures every student, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond. Working directly inside more than 2,900 schools across the country, we connect students to caring adults and community resources that help them see, confront, and overcome the barriers that stand between them and a brighter future. Together, we build a powerful change movement made up of peers, students, and alumni committed to building an equitable path to education for future generations.
