Congresswoman Lee Introduces Legislation Providing Critical Support to Nevada Students

Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) introduced her Full-Service Community School Expansion Act, which improves student outcomes by helping public schools and districts bring in wraparound support services. These include medical, mental, and nutrition health services, mentoring and youth development programs, technical assistance, and continuing education courses. The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act would increase Nevada’s access to funding to plan, implement, expand, and support these essential programs for students. 

“Factors affecting student success extend well beyond the classroom. Unfortunately, many students in southern Nevada cannot meet their basic needs off school grounds, then struggle to keep up their mental and physical health and academics,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “That’s exactly why we need a fully resourced Full-Service Community Schools Program to help schools meet students where they are and bridge these gaps in education. I’m proud to join Senator Van Hollen to reintroduce the Full-Service Community School Expansion Act to support the essential programs our students need.” 

The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act would:

• Invest $3.65 billion over the next five years to plan, implement, expand, and support full-service community schools serving low-income students;
• Provide renewable grant opportunities and additional resources to schools in our communities, such as the 117 schools supported by Communities in Schools Nevada, to build collaborative leadership structures and strengthen wraparound services that support the needs of students, families, and neighborhoods. 
• Build out community school infrastructure by funding the establishment of state-level teams that provide professional development opportunities and resources for community school staff, and collaborate with local education agencies on integrating supports for community schools;
• Ensure Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Tribal organizations receive priority consideration in the application process and are included in stakeholder coordination efforts;
• Set aside up to 5% of funds for technical assistance and support to leverage federal, state, and local resources that address healthcare and early childhood education, connect local education agencies with other statewide institutions, and inform LEAs of funding opportunities.

Recently, Congresswoman Lee held a press conference with Ed W. Clark High School principal and a recent graduate, Clark County School District, and Communities In Schools of Nevada to highlight the Full-Service Community School Expansion Act and the impact it will have on schools in the Clark County School District.

“Full-Service Community Schools work because they bring resources directly into the school building and strengthen community where students already are. This model recognizes a simple truth: students learn best when their basic needs are met and when they are surrounded by trusted adults who know them, care about them, and help them navigate challenges,” said Tami Hance-Lehr, CEO and State Director, Communities In Schools of Nevada. “The Full-Service Community Schools Expansion Act ensures that more schools can move from isolated supports to fully integrated systems—so more students and families receive the comprehensive support they need to succeed.”

Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).

“A quality education is a cornerstone of our children’s success, but for many students, the challenges they face outside of the classroom impact their success inside the classroom. Community schools offer a solution – empowering local education and community leaders to connect families with vital services they need while providing a top-notch education,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “As we’ve seen across Maryland, this innovative approach has been proven to make a positive difference in the lives of our students and their families. This bill will further invest in and create a pathway for more community schools, ensuring all of our students have the support they need to succeed.”

"Every student deserves the chance to succeed both inside and outside the classroom,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. "The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act will help provide critical academic opportunities, mentoring programs, and nutritional services so that students in all communities can thrive. I am proud to lead this legislation alongside my colleagues and will continue to work to provide comprehensive support to students and parents in New York and across the country.” 

“Community schools bring community resources into school buildings to improve children’s well-being, especially in low-income and rural schools. Investing in our community schools is an investment in the well-being and success of future generations,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján. “To support our students, families, and communities, I’m partnering with my colleagues to reintroduce the Full-Service Community School Expansion Act. Our bill will expand access to community schools and ensure more schools can adopt this holistic model to support students in New Mexico and across the country.”

The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act is endorsed by the National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, National Indian Education Association, Institute for Educational Leadership, Coalition for Community Schools, First Focus on Children, National Association for Elementary School Principals, MENTOR, Journey 4 Justice, Maryland Out of School Time Network, Maryland State Education Association, American Federation of Teachers New Mexico (AFT NM); CA Partnership for Future of Learning, Ed Trust, Forum for Youth Investment, Healthy Schools Campaign, Idaho Community Schools Coalition, Maryland Center for Community Schools, National Center for Community Schools, Netter Center, University of Pennsylvania, North Carolina Community Schools Coalition, and the Nevada State Education Association.

Full-service community schools have a proven track record of producing tangible results for students – including advancing academic achievement and improving attendance. According to a 2024 report from the Education Law Center, Nevada stands out as one of the top three states most in need of additional resources, with funding levels well below average. Congresswoman Lee’s legislation would help schools bridge this gap and provide the critical support services to their students.

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