Tennessee Code 49-6-2404 – Authority to form community consortiums to establish community schools – Centers of communities – Designation of individual to lead implementation of programming – Eligibility for community school grant
(a) LEAs and schools are authorized and encouraged to form community consortiums with a variety of community partners to establish a community school or schools with an integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and community engagement that will lead to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities.
Terms Used In Tennessee Code 49-6-2404
Community school: means a public and private partnership to coordinate educational, developmental, family, health, and before-school and after-school-care programs during school and nonschool hours for students, families, and local communities at a public school with the objectives of improving academic achievement, reducing absenteeism, building stronger relationships between schools, students, parents, and communities, and improving the skills, capacity, and well-being of the surrounding community residents. See Tennessee Code 49-6-2403
(b) The community schools, formed pursuant to subsection (a), shall strive to become centers of their communities providing programs and services for persons of all ages. They shall be open to everyone throughout each day, including in the evenings, on weekends and in the summer.(c) A community school must designate an individual to lead and coordinate the planning and implementation of programming for the school.(d) A community school is not eligible for any community school grant available under this part unless the school has developed a plan that provides for:
(1) Integrated student supports;(2) Expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities;(3) Active family and community engagement; and(4) Collaborative leadership and practices.
