Newsmakers: Rep. Vang Advocates for Full-Service Community Schools
Rep. Samantha Vang (DFL-Brooklyn Center) is the author of a bill that would make $9 million available to fund full-service community schools statewide.
“This model recognizes that students’ success requires that their needs are met both in and out of the classroom,” said Vang. “The funding will go toward providing schools to hire a site coordinator, to be able to build community partnerships and provide the wrap-around services students need coming into the classroom.”
Brooklyn Center Schools has been a pioneer in this model. Vang says graduation rates have increased and students have done better in the classroom.
“Teachers shouldn’t have to worry about whether a kid is hungry. That’s not their job. Their job is to teach and focus on student success in the classroom. This additional funding is crucial,” said Vang. “This model recognizes that a school is a hub for many resources for parents and families and so this funding goes toward hiring a coordinator that will build community partnerships.”
For example, if a student faces food insecurity, the site coordinator will build community partnerships to be able to set up a system to provide those resources.
“We’ve seen many success stories within Brooklyn Center students. It’s a great story, and we know the model is working so we need to continue those advancements,” said Vang.
