Griffo, Brindisi: New State Budget funds development of Community Schools in Utica, Rome and other communities

ALBANY – State Senator Joseph Griffo and Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi announced today that the Rome and Utica City School Districts are among those that will benefit from $175 million in funding through the 2016-2017 State Budget to transform struggling schools into community schools.

The breakdown of local schools to receive Community School funding are:

Rome City School District:                               $369,655

Utica City School District:                                $273,267

Camden Central School District:                     $243,929

Adirondack Central School District:               $98,303

Remsen Central School District:                      $32,650
 

The program is designed to provide tutoring, as well as linking students and their families with nutrition and health programs, counseling, and other services to in an effort to help boost student performance.

Senator Griffo said: “No matter how hard young students strive to focus on their academics in high-need schools, many still struggle to excel because of personal circumstances that are often out of their control. These children and their families should be offered the positive support they need in order to successfully pursue an education, and by addressing many of their social, emotional and health needs, they will be able to make the most of their learning experience. With the programs that this funding will make available, more schools and parents will be empowered to play an active role in improving the performance of the neediest students.”

Assemblyman Brindisi said: “Family involvement has long been seen as an excellent way to boost student achievement. The community school model takes a holistic approach, providing a range of services for students and their families. While academic support is vital, providing programs that encourage healthy eating habits and support for a range of social and emotional issues also is important if students are to succeed. The community school program provides the support students need to do better academically.”

Bruce J. Karam, Superintendent, Utica City School District said: “The Utica City School District has long recognized the importance of providing programs designed to meet the socio-emotional wellbeing of our students and their families.  Building a strong support system at home and in the community is critical in effectively educating our students so that they are strong in both mind and body.  The Community School initiative is a vital link in achieving this very important goal.  As a school district we are very grateful for the resources obtained by Senator Griffo and Assemblyman Brindisi to launch this initiative.”

Jeffrey P. Simons, Superintendent, Rome City School District said: “Senator Griffo and Assemblyman Brindisi’s advocacy for inclusion of the community schools funds for Rome provides tremendous support to the district’s ongoing planning to bring comprehensive educational, health, and support services to children and their families.  Thanks to their advocacy, the district can begin implementing its action plans next school year.”

Karl R. Keil, Jr., Assistant Superintendent for Business, Camden Central School District said: “The Camden Central School District Board of Education and the District’s education staff have long recognized the need and importance of a community school for less fortunate students.  Above the already personal commitment to student success from existing resources, the ability to add additional resources utilizing community school funding will fortify our work in this area.  The Senator and Assemblyman are to be commended for their support of our high-need families and students throughout the difficult New York State budget process.”

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