Advocacy
A primary purpose of the CIS-VA state office is to advocate for public support. Our goal is to advance policy and funding for the network’s collective goals of expansion and sustainability. CIS-VA has consistently served as a thought leader and partner to the Virginia Department of Education in elevating community school principles. CIS demonstrates the impact possible when evidence-based models of support are implemented with fidelity and excellence.
CIS-VA's advocacy milestones:
2019:
- CIS-VA successfully advocated for legislation directing the creation of a framework for advancing the community school model in Virginia.
- CIS-VA served on a task force that created the Virginia Community School Framework, and advocated for CIS’s inclusion as a recommended partner.
2020:
- State budget allocation for CIS-VA included a directive for CIS-VA to serve as a consultant for entities seeking to pursue the advancement of community schools.
2021:
- CIS-VA advocated for the creation of the Community School Development and Implementation Grant to support expansion of community school implementation across Virginia
- CIS-VA awarded $5M to expand in existing footprint and in new regions, facilitating expansion and deepening of the community school framework in 12 school divisions and 34 schools.
2023:
- CIS-VA received Congressionally Directed Community Project Funding from Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner to support network-wide attendance initiatives.
2024:
- Following successful implementation of the piloted funding, CIS-VA advocated for the renewal of the Community School Development and Implementation Grant). *legislation pending
CIS-VA was honored to accept a proclamation from Governor Glenn Youngkin recognizing September 2023 as Student Support Professional Appreciation Month. The proclamation was presented by Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera.