California Invests Heavily in Community Schools With New Funding

Building on prior investments in California community schools, the new state budget provides $1 billion in ongoing Proposition 98 funding to expand and sustain the community school strategy across California.

Starting in the 2026-27 school year, sites with more than 65% unduplicated pupil count in the 2025 fall census, and at least 10 enrolled students, are eligible to qualify for the new apportionment funding from the state. Funding amounts range from $75,000 to $400,000 per site, based on enrollment.

Schools across the state currently implementing the California community schools strategy through the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP Cohort I-IV sites) will have an opportunity to access ongoing funding to sustain their implementation. 

For the 2026-27 school year, local educational agencies (LEAs) must opt in by Nov. 1, 2026, for any eligible sites not already receiving the community schools grant funding through the CCSPP. LEAs must determine whether to opt in as a planning or implementation site.

To learn more about the CCSPP apportionment, the California Department of Education and the State Transformational Assistance Center (S-TAC) created an informational overview and together are hosting an informational webinar on Sept. 23, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. 

The San Diego County Office of Education Community Schools Team will continue to provide professional learning and technical assistance for any school interested in the community schools strategy through our Southern Coast Regional Technical Assistance Center (R-TAC). Check out our offerings or reach out for support at www.southerncoastrtac.net or communityschools@sdcoe.net.