Batavia is one of only 42 educational institutions in the country to receive the five-year grant
BATAVIA, NY—The Batavia City School District is proud to announce it has been selected by the U.S. Department of Education to receive a nearly $2.5 million five-year grant to expand its Community Schools program in an effort to increase social, emotional, mental health, and academic support for students, educators, and families.
According to the U.S. Department of Education press release, the “new five-year Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grants support 42 local educational agencies, non-profits, or other public or private organizations and institutions of higher education working to expand existing community schools or establish new programs in eight new states and territories.”
Senator Chuck Schumer said of the New York State recipients of the grant, “Providing upstate students with a high-quality education while supporting their social, emotional, and mental health needs will create a strong foundation on which they can build upon in the future. From Batavia to Auburn, the Full-Service Community Schools program will boost mental health for our upstate students and ensure that they feel safe and supported in the learning environment.”
The Batavia City School District's long-term goals for the funding include hiring additional social workers throughout the district; increasing the educational case management for students who are academically at-risk or chronically absent; increasing student access to mental and behavioral health support; increasing student readiness for school and student academic achievement; ensure that graduating seniors are college and career ready; as well as working to reduce the academic achievement gap between demographic groups by strengthening student-family-community connections.
“We’re incredibly proud to have been recognized and selected by the U.S. Department of Education for this generous Community Schools grant,” said Superintendent Jason Smith. “Our Community Schools program is an essential part of our school district and is a touchstone for many of our at–risk students, families, and community members. With this funding, we’ll be able to decrease the educational gaps we’re experiencing and set our students up for success well beyond their time here in our school district.” "With this grant, we have the opportunity to strengthen the core foundation of our school district,” said Dr. Molly Corey, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction. “A top goal for BCSD is to create a school environment where all students, staff, families, and community members feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to achieve their maximum potential—and this grant will help us do just that.”
“Since 2021, our Community Schools vision has been to build a better Batavia by promoting equitable learning opportunities, cultivating healthier families, and establishing a stronger community," said Community Schools Coordinator Julia Rogers. “This generous grant will allow us to continue to develop culturally-responsive, respectful, and mutually beneficial relationships with our families, neighborhood residents, agencies, and community-based organizations that are focused on the well-being of the children and families of Batavia."
The Batavia City School District looks forward to collaborating with our community partners in achieving our shared vision for a stronger Batavia community, including: GLOW YMCA, GCASA
ARC GLOW, BCSD Foundation, Genesee Community College, Genesee County Business Education Alliance, Genesee County Departments of Health and Mental Health
Richmond Memorial Library, United Way, Partners in Restorative Initiatives, Children's Institute, GLOW Workforce Investment Board, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and an additional 90+ informal partners.
The Batavia City School District was awarded a Full Service Community Schools grant for 48% of the total costs, valued at $2,499,777 over five years. In conjunction with federal funding, community partners will provide 16% of the costs, valued at $829,375. Additional requirements for the grant have already been accounted for in the Batavia City School District general budget.