6. Draft Recommendation: Communities In Schools — original pdf

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. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Economic Prosperity Commission Recommendation Number: [YYYYMMDD-XXX]: Continuation and Expansion of Funding for Communities In Schools of Central Texas to Safeguard Student Success, Workforce Development and Regional Economic Mobility WHEREAS, the Economic Prosperity Commission is charged with advising governing bodies on policies that foster economic development, poverty reduction, workforce readiness, and long-term financial stability for all residents; and WHEREAS, systemic barriers to academic success—including financial instability, food insecurity, lack of mental health resources, and housing insecurity—directly impact a student’s future employability and earning potential; and WHEREAS, Communities In Schools (CIS) of Central Texas serves as a critical economic stabilizer by placing dedicated professionals directly on school campuses to deliver integrated student supports, evidenced based mental health counseling, and crisis intervention; and WHEREAS, independent economic research demonstrates that access to the CIS model significantly boosts a student's lifetime earnings and reduces long-term reliance on public assistance programs, thereby generating a measurable, positive return on public investment; and WHEREAS, CIS of Central Texas consistently achieves proven outcomes, including a 99% school retention rate and a 99.3% graduation rate among case-managed seniors, directly supplying the regional economy with a qualified, high-school-educated workforce; and WHEREAS, current budgetary pressures on local school districts and municipal budgets threaten the continuity of these essential on-campus support systems, putting vulnerable student populations at risk of academic disconnection; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Economic Prosperity Commission formally affirms that funding for Communities In Schools of Central Texas is a vital component of the region’s economic development strategy and workforce pipeline. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Economic Prosperity Commission strongly recommends that the Austin City Council prioritize, maintain, and where possible, expand dedicated funding allocations for CIS of Central Texas in the upcoming fiscal year budget. . BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Economic Prosperity Commission urges local municipal leaders to collaborate with regional school districts and philanthropic partners to establish sustainable, multi-year funding mechanisms that protect these campus-based interventions from annual budget volatility. Seconded By: Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________