Lompoc Unified School District (LUSD) has received a $4,987,500 Community Schools Implementation Grant Award from the California Department of Education (CDE).

This grant is part of the $1.3 billion in state board-approved Community Schools Implementation grants announced by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

The Community Schools Implementation Grant Award will support a network of four LUSD schools as they work together to implement the Community Schools model: Clarence Ruth Elementary School, Leonora Fillmore Elementary School, Arthur Hapgood Elementary School, and Maple Alternative High School.

Already, these schools have made significant progress in implementing the model, integrating academics, health and social services, and family and community engagement to improve student achievement and wellness, the district said.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant and continue our work toward creating Community Schools that serve the whole child and the whole family,” said LUSD Assistant Superintendent Brian Jaramillo.

“Our school communities have shown tremendous enthusiasm for this approach, and this funding will allow us to deepen our partnerships and expand our services to better support our students and families,” he said.

The grant will fund a variety of initiatives, including a dental screening, fluoride varnish, and treatment program for kindergarteners at the three elementary schools, as well as an artist-in-residence program and art school assemblies provided by partner Children’s Creative Project.

The grant also offers schools an opportunity to hire program coordinators to oversee the implementation of the Community Schools model and engage with families and community partners.

At Maple High School, the coordinator will help implement a community-based student internship program.

The Community Schools Implementation Grant is part of the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP). The state’s $4.1 billion CCSPP investment is the largest single investment in community schools in the nation, representing the state’s commitment to transforming public education.

Moving forward, LUSD said it plans to expand the Community Schools model across the district by pursuing additional Community Schools Implementation grant funding.