Orange County schools are set to receive a new $35.5 million investment aimed at expanding community school resources for students and families. The funding, included in the new state budget, provides Orange County education leaders with an opportunity to grow a network of campuses where academic support, mental health services, and community resources are integrated with traditional education. This initiative builds on existing community school efforts already underway in districts such as the Anaheim Union High School District.
Approximately $215 million in community schools funding has previously been awarded to 147 schools across 14 school districts and the Orange County Department of Education’s alternative education programs. These prior investments have reached an estimated 85,000 students throughout the county.
District leadership, community members, and students gathered on August 4 at Anaheim High School’s Cook Auditorium to mark the statewide investment, The Orange County Register reported.
Community schools are designed to foster collaboration between schools and community partners to address the diverse needs of students and their families. This model links academic success with overall student well-being. Depending on the specific local requirements, these schools may connect families with a range of services, including mental health support, family resource centers, after-school programs, tutoring, and health resources.
Anaheim High School junior Coraline Salazar highlighted the positive impact of her school’s community resource center, describing it as a place where "students and families feel welcomed, supported and connected." Salazar told The Register that this approach demonstrates a commitment to ensuring all stakeholders have a voice in shaping their school, emphasizing investment in both academics and personal relationships.
Anaheim Union Superintendent Jaron Fried commented on the value of these initiatives for local residents. Fried stated that for families, these schools remain "vibrant hubs within our community." He added that these locations serve as places where parents, families, and caregivers can become true partners in education and access vital services directly within their neighborhoods.
The new state funding is expected to help bring similar opportunities to more students across Orange County. As the county continues to expand its community schools network, the investment can assist additional districts in building upon the successful approaches and lessons learned from early adopters like Anaheim Union. This expansion aims to extend comprehensive support to more students and families throughout the region.
