House Bill 225, also known as the "Tennessee Full Service Community Schools Act," amends Tennessee Code Annotated to establish a framework for the creation and operation of full service community schools. The bill defines key terms such as "community partner," "full service community school," and "pipeline services," which encompass a range of coordinated academic, health, and social supports for students and their families. Local boards of education are encouraged to form partnerships with community organizations to integrate these services into schools, thereby enhancing educational outcomes and community well-being.
The legislation also establishes a grant program administered by the University of Tennessee to support the development and sustainability of full service community schools. Local education agencies (LEAs) can apply for grants to secure resources for planning and implementing their operational models, with a focus on long-term partnerships. The bill outlines the responsibilities of grant recipients, including the designation of a full-time coordinator, conducting needs assessments, and reporting on progress. Additionally, the University of Tennessee is tasked with providing ongoing evaluation and support to ensure the effectiveness of these community schools.