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.

A critical element in the legislation is the phrase, “If appropriations are available...” So far, this bill has not been funded, but Fort told the committee he was exploring possibilities.

The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 50-1 on March 3. Its next step will be to come before the House for a full vote.

About the Author

Will Robinson

Morehouse College alum detained by ICE in Texas

Alex Maganda, a former Morehouse football player, came to the U.S. from Mexico at 5 years old, his attorney said. A hearing on his case is expected within the next two weeks.

More Georgia teachers are getting free or cheap master’s degrees. Here’s how.

With teacher turnover rates on the rise, school systems and universities are partnering in a growing effort to recruit and retain Georgia educators.

Georgia school districts prepare for cellphone ban ahead of state deadline

Metro Atlanta schools will be using lockers, pouches and the honor system to keep students from using their phones.

The Latest

Credit: Maszoliin Spencer

Morehouse College alum detained by ICE in Texas

More Georgia teachers are getting free or cheap master’s degrees. Here’s how.

Atlanta school board votes to extend superintendent’s contract

Featured

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Georgia disability rights advocates fear weakening of U.S. accessibility law

Advocates worry the Department of Energy’s move could be the start of a broader effort by other federal agencies to roll back civil rights rules.

From boycott to ballgame: Baseball’s political All-Star Game saga returns to Georgia

MLB pulled the 2021 All-Star Game from Georgia over the state's voting law, Senate Bill 202. Now it’s back — and Republicans say the return proves they were right all along.

OPINION

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour pushes fans outside the norm

Preparations for the show pushed people out of their comfort zones — into new stores, new communities, a new style of dress, and in some cases, to visit new cities.