More than 500 passionate community school leaders across L.A. County recently gathered for the second annual Countywide Welcome Convening for Community Schools, hosted by the LACOE Community Schools Initiative’s Greater Los Angeles Regional Transformational Assistance Center (R-TAC). The event was a vibrant celebration of collective purpose, shared learning and the power of community-driven transformation.

The convening offered a day of co-learning and inspiration, featuring a performance by Ballet Folklorico de Esperanza in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, as well as notable guest speakers. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions, including a keynote by Dr. Tyisha Noise of LACOE’s Center for the Advancement of Racial Equity, a powerful and dynamic student panel with members of the L.A. County Community Schools Student Catalyst Council, and inspiring remarks from esteemed state and local leaders, such as California Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Erika Torres and a Q&A session with California Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi. Together, the convening reminded attendees of the heart of the work: uplifting student voices and fostering inclusive, equity-centered school communities. 

With the theme “Growing and Transforming in Community, United in Purpose,” the event uplifted L.A. County’s shared commitment to advancing the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP). The convening set an empowering tone for a transformative year, as educational leaders continue to foster collaborative, equity-centered and racially just school communities through the community schools model.

With over 500 CCSPP funded community schools countywide, the Greater Los Angeles R-TAC currently supports the largest concentration of community schools in the nation, made possible by California’s historic CCSPP investment of $4.1 billion.

Grounded in a model that centers the voices of students, families, staff and communities, community schools build on the strengths and assets of their communities to enhance teaching, learning and overall wellbeing. They integrate support services, family engagement and professional development to close equity gaps and ensure students and families have access to comprehensive support systems.

Emerging data from a recent report published by the Learning Policy Institute highlights the positive impact of the CCSPP framework and how the holistic approach of community schools can reduce educational inequities and improve student outcomes.

The report cites evidence that community schools implementing the CCSPP framework have significantly improved attendance rates, reduced suspension rates and enhanced academic achievements at higher rates compared to similar schools that have not adopted the community schools model. Notably, “community schools’ chronic absence rates dropped by 30%, suspension rates fell by 15% and academic achievement rose - particularly for historically underserved students.”

“Through the Community Schools Initiative, LACOE is honored to lead this transformational work across Los Angeles County, serving more than 280,000 students who attend community schools in our region,” shared Alicia Garoupa, LACOE Chief of Wellbeing and Support Services. “This model is more than a strategy. It fosters a school environment of care, equity and belonging by uplifting every student, family and community.” 

In 2024-25, LACOE Community Schools Initiative staff facilitated 436 referrals, hosted 582 engagement and workshop events, and coordinated the distribution of over 10,000 essential items and supply kits to students and families.

LACOE’s Community Schools Initiative is committed to supporting the transformation of schools into hubs of connection, inclusivity and empowerment. We invite educators and administrators from schools or districts implementing the CCSPP framework to participate in the Greater Los Angeles R-TAC’s year-round learning opportunities. While these sessions are designed for CCSPP practitioners, any school or local educational agency interested in learning about community schools is welcome to attend any of our virtual offerings.

Special Thanks to Our Welcome Convening Presenters and Partners:

• Ballet Folklorico de Esperanza
• L.A. County Community Schools Student Catalyst Council Members: Miley Del Cid, Jinjin Sanglimsuwan, Chinosom Okpara and Vilma Aguilar
• Dr. Tyisha Noise, Project Director III, LACOE Center for the Advancement of Racial Equity
• Dr. Erika Torres, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, California Department of Education
• Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, California State Assembly District 66
• Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation
• The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health
• UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools
• The Ballmer Group
• California Department of Education and the State Transformational Assistance Center for Community Schools

About the Greater Los Angeles R-TAC:
Led by LACOE’s Community Schools Initiative, the Greater Los Angeles Regional Transformational Assistance Center supports all public schools and local educational agencies that receive California Community Schools Partnership Program grants in L.A. County. It is led in partnership with The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health and the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools. As one of eight technical assistance centers designated by the California Department of Education, the Greater Los Angeles R-TAC has provided over 1,000 direct support sessions and hosted 139 learning opportunities for more than 5,400 participants since its launch in 2022.