Community school model bill advances

The House Education Committee voted 14-2 Monday to approve a bill that creates a plan for how to use grant money in at-risk schools.

Senate Bill 30 outlines a pilot program that would bring faith-based groups, businesses and philanthropies together to provide food, tutoring and medical services to improve the educational environments of struggling schools. Sen. Vincent Fort, D-Atlanta, minority whip and Atlanta mayoral candidate, presented his bill to the House Education Committee, telling them "wraparound services are critical."

“The community school model has as its core the idea that public schools, whether it be a charter or regular public school, make partnerships with community organizations,” said Fort.