Item 6. Draft Recommendation- Communities In Schools — original pdf

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. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission For Women Recommendation Number: [YYYYMMDD-XXX]: Recommendation to the Austin City Council for the allocation of funding to Communities In Schools of Central Texas to support programs enhancing the academic and personal success of young girls in the Austin Independent School District. WHEREAS, the City of Austin Commission for Women is tasked with advising the City Council on issues affecting the economic security, health, and well-being of women and girls in our community; and WHEREAS, research, including the recently released Harvard Impact Study, demonstrates that personalized, integrated student supports lead to stronger academic outcomes, higher lifetime earnings, and increased local tax contributions; and WHEREAS, young girls in Central Texas, particularly those from under-resourced backgrounds, face unique barriers to education including lack of access to mental health services, basic needs, and mentorship; and WHEREAS, Communities In Schools (CIS) of Central Texas provides a proven “ecosystem of support” by placing dedicated program managers directly on campuses to provide case management, crisis intervention, and academic guidance; and WHEREAS, the support provided by CIS has been shown to empower young girls by improving attendance, graduation rates, and self-efficacy, thereby reducing their long-term involvement with public assistance systems; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to a Racial Equity Plan that seeks to eliminate disparities in outcomes for all residents, with education being a primary driver of such equity. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission recommends the Austin City Council allocate funding—specifically as part of the Social Services budget—to Communities In Schools of Central Texas to sustain and expand its campus-based services. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that funding be prioritized for Communities In Schools of Central Texas ensuring they have the mental health and academic resources necessary to achieve economic independence and long-term success. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: Seconded By: . For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________