SB Unified Receives Over $4.5 Million in California Grants for Community School Development

By Redacción
redaccion@latinocc.com

Four schools in the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) have been awarded a combined $4.5 million through the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP), aimed at strengthening the district’s community school initiatives.

The grants, ranging from $700,000 to $1.4 million per school, will benefit Harding University Partnership School, La Cuesta Continuation High School, La Cumbre Junior High School, and McKinley Elementary School. The funding will be distributed over the next five years.

“This grant is a powerful recognition of our school’s commitment to building an inclusive and supportive environment,” said McKinley Elementary Principal Daisy Estrada Ochoa. “It will allow us to expand our community-focused programs, deepen family engagement, and enhance student services.”

Community schools focus on three core components:

Integrated student support services

Active family and community engagement

Expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities

The grants are the result of a two-year planning process involving extensive data collection and wide-ranging community input. Students, families, staff, and community partners participated in both district-wide and site-level committees to shape the vision of their schools.

The main goal is to implement sustainable models that continue serving school communities long after the funding ends.

Superintendent Dr. Hilda Maldonado celebrated the milestone:

“This is a truly historic moment for SBUSD. These grants are a testament to the unwavering dedication of our educators, families, and partners. They reflect our united commitment to building dynamic schools that support every aspect of the child and uplift families. We are excited to witness the long-term impact.”

The district extended its congratulations to all involved in securing these transformative funds, recognizing their collaborative spirit and dedication to student success.

These awards underscore SBUSD’s ongoing mission to build holistic educational environments where every student is empowered to thrive.