As a constituent who cares deeply about the well-being of our students and communities, I urge you to invest $100 million in categorical aid to expand community schools across New York state. 

One in five New York children lives in poverty. Every day, our educators see the burdens of hunger, housing instability and lack of healthcare follow students through the school door. Community schools are a proven solution that addresses these challenges head-on. 

A community school partners with local organizations to serve as a hub where students and families can access wraparound services such as healthcare, mental health support, nutritious food, adult education, financial counseling and legal assistance — right where they already are. By addressing students' physical, mental and emotional needs in one place, community schools remove barriers to learning and strengthen entire communities. When families visit the school regularly for these resources, they are more likely to engage with educators in ways we know support student success. 

The results are undeniable. New York City's first community schools saw graduation rates increase by 25.1 percentage points over ten years — more than double the citywide average. Math proficiency jumped 26.7 points compared to 18.5 citywide. In California, community schools achieved a 30 percent greater reduction in chronic absenteeism compared to similar non-community schools. 

The return on investment is equally compelling. In New York City, a $100,000 investment in a community school director generates more than $600,000 in services and grants. In Central New York networks, the return exceeds $14 for every $1 invested. Yet despite these results, most districts across the state still do not use this model. 

I urge you to direct $100 million in categorical aid to expand community schools statewide. Our students deserve schools that address their whole lives — not just what happens during instruction time. Community schools make that possible in urban, suburban and rural settings alike. 

Thank you for your consideration. I respectfully ask that you raise this issue with your conference and would greatly appreciate a response.