Four schools in the Santa Barbara Unified School District have been awarded a combined total of $4,512,500 in California Community Schools Partnership Program Implementation Grants.

The grants will provide significant funding over the next five years to Harding University Partnership School, La Cuesta Continuation High School, La Cumbre Junior High School, and McKinley Elementary School.

Ranging from about $700,000 to $1.4 million per school, the funds will support the continued development of community school models focused on three key priorities:
• Integrated Student Services
• Active Family and Community Engagement
• Expanded and Enriched Learning Time and Opportunities

This achievement follows a rigorous two-year planning process of extensive data collection and stakeholder engagement, the district said.

Students, families, staff, community organizations, and community members participated in both district-wide and individual site planning committees, helping to shape the vision for their respective community schools.

“The primary goal of the grants is to provide key funding for implementation while each school and the district work toward developing sustainable models that will continue to serve their communities long after the CDE [California Department of Education] funding concludes,” the district said.

“This grant is a powerful recognition of our school’s commitment to building a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment where all students and families can thrive,” said McKinley Principal Daisy Estrada Ochoa.

“With this funding, we will be able to expand our community-centered initiatives, strengthen family engagement, and enhance student services,” she said.

Santa Barbara Unified School District congratulates the staff, families, students, and community partners of Harding University Partnership School, La Cuesta Continuation High School, La Cumbre Junior High School, and McKinley Elementary School for their dedication and collaborative efforts in securing these transformative grants.

“This is truly a momentous occasion for the Santa Barbara Unified School District,” said Superintendent Hilda Maldonado. “These grants are a testament to the unwavering dedication of our school communities, our staff, and our invaluable partners.

“They reflect our collective commitment to creating dynamic, integrated community schools that truly support the whole child and empower every family. We are incredibly excited to see the sustained positive impact these funds will have on our students and their futures.”