Governor Newsom Announces $1 Billion for Community Schools

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—The California Partnership for the Future of Learning applauds Governor Newsom's proposed $1 billion in ongoing new funding to sustain and expand “life-changing” community schools to thousands more California students, calling it a critical investment that doubles down on the state's commitment to this transformative approach.

In May 2025, Governor Newsom called community schools "a model for the nation." Today's announcement backs up those words with action.

The data is clear: according to a September 2025 Learning Policy Institute report, California’s community schools have cut chronic absenteeism by 30% compared to similar schools, reduced suspensions by 15% overall—with the greatest gains for Black students, English learners, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students—and delivered learning gains in English equivalent to 151  extra days of instruction for Black students. Additionally, more than 1,840 students, families, and educators across 12 counties shared through the  California Partnership’s statewide listening campaign what they need to  feel safe, supported and prepared to succeed. These schools are relationship-centered community schools.

In December, the California Partnership sent a letter on behalf of 48 leading education, youth- and family-serving organizations and networks to the governor calling for ongoing funding to maintain and expand the “life-changing” community schools approach to be the way California educates students across the state. The Governor's budget affirms this vision.

“An ongoing $1 billion investment that goes beyond one-time funding signals a deep commitment to transforming education for California students,” said Katy Núñez-Adler, Statewide Coordinator for the California Partnership for the Future of Learning. ”2,500 of our highest-need schools face losing these critical supports as previous one-time funding expires. We commend the Governor’s approach to support these existing promising schools while expanding access to even more high-need students. With federal attacks intensifying—immigration raids, cuts to healthcare, childcare and food assistance—and rising homelessness, our students and families need schools that wrap around them with stability they can count on year after year. This should be the way we do school for all students. ”

Community schools is a whole-child approach that supports partnerships between educators, systems leaders, and community-based organizations and center student and family leadership to provide wraparound support services including healthy meals, health centers for physical and mental health, family services, and community-connected, rigorous and relevant learning.

While celebrating this momentous investment, the California Partnership reminds state leaders that such funding should come with capacity building support and a commitment from schools to implement the key components of the exemplary California Community Schools Framework, including collaborative decision-making with students, families, educators and community, racially just and relationship-centered school cultures, and culturally and linguistically affirming learning environments in addition to integrated student mental health and wellness supports.

The California Partnership also urges the governor and legislature to commit to progressive revenue solutions—like a billionaire tax and closing corporate tax loopholes—that can sustain and expand community schools while ensuring the state can take care of the full range of Californians' needs, especially as the federal government slashes supports to critical social services.

“Today’s announcement reaffirms California as a beacon of hope—but California still needs progressive revenue solutions. Students, families and educators have already been transforming our schools to make the promise of a joyful and just education a reality through the community schools approach —we’re organizing to win the investments necessary to sustain and deepen what's already working, and look forward to partnering with state leaders in this effort,” Núñez-Adler said. “Public education is critical to the future of children in California and across the nation. Every child deserves a school where they can learn and grow—no matter where they live, what language they speak, or who they are. This is about making California's schools belong to all who call this state home.”