Section 10. Community Schools Initiatives Grant Program

A. Eligible applicants may apply for funding to implement the community schools initiative. B. A school district is responsible for any indirect costs associated with the establishment and implementation of a community school within the school district. C. An eligible applicant that receives funds to transform a public school into a community school shall: (1) use a rigorous, transparent, equitable, and evidence-based evaluation system to measure the effectiveness of the implementation of the community schools initiative; (2) provide ongoing, high-quality professional development for staff that: (a) aligns with the community school’s core instructional program; (b) facilitates and supports effective teaching and learning; and (c) supports the implementation of school reform strategies and evidence-based interventions, programs, and practices; (3) give the community school sufficient operational flexibility in evidence-based programming, curriculum, staffing, budgeting, and scheduling to implement a comprehensive community school framework focused on improving: (a) community school culture and climate; (b) student academic achievement; (c) student attendance; (d) student behavior, including through the provision of positive discipline practices, restorative practices, and other positive behavioral supports and interventions for students; 6.30.15 NMAC 4 (e) quality family engagement; and (f) for high schools, graduation rates and readiness for college or career;