Community Schools Connection


Issue #8 January 2026

Grantee Spotlight

Study Tour Highlight: Family and Community Engagement at Lyman Gilmore Middle School

In December, Lyman Gilmore Middle School in Grass Valley, part of Nevada County and the Grass Valley School District, welcomed educators, community partners, and state leaders for a Community Schools Study Tour focused on Empowering Student and Family Engagement—one of the six key practices of the Community Schools framework. Although this past year was the beginning of the school intentionally centering this pillar, the visit powerfully demonstrated how quickly meaningful systems and relationships can grow when a shared vision is in place.


The tour brought together approximately 50 participants from across the region, along with representatives from the California Department of Education and the Regional Technical Assistance Center. Visitors had the opportunity to walk the campus, engage with staff and students, and learn how Lyman Gilmore is creating structures where families feel welcome, student voice is elevated, and community partnerships are integrated into daily practice.


Opening the day, Nevada County Community Schools Coordinator Sarah Morgan highlighted the broader context for the work. Since the first cohort of California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) grants was awarded in 2021, Nevada County has steadily expanded its Community Schools footprint. What began with one funded site has now grown to multiple districts and schools, including Lyman Gilmore Middle School and Margaret Scotton Elementary School in Grass Valley. This growth reflects a deep commitment to supporting the whole child through strong relationships, shared leadership, and coordinated systems of support.

Throughout the tour, participants saw how Lyman Gilmore’s leadership team—Principal Lisa Lawell, Community Schools Coordinator Leticia Medley, and Parent Liaison Melinda Beall—are building a culture where families are viewed as partners, students are encouraged to share their voices, and collaboration is the norm. Classrooms, common spaces, and conversations reflected a collective pride and a growing sense that the school is becoming a true community hub.



More than a showcase, the Study Tour was an opportunity for visiting teams to learn from Lyman Gilmore’s early efforts, gather practical ideas, and reflect on how empowering family and community engagement can transform school culture. As Sarah shared with participants, every hallway, classroom, and interaction told the story of many hands and many hearts working together around the powerful idea that we are a community, and together we are responsible for the success and well-being of every student.

Meet the Team

R-TAC

Professional Learnings

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SCOE/PCOE Community Schools Related Professional Learnings

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Ongoing Training Opportunities



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Ongoing Training Opportunities

News & Updates

CCSPP

$1 Billion for Community Schools in Newsom's Final Budget Proposal

Gov. Newsom’s proposed 2026–27 budget includes a $1 billion investment in community schools as part of a broader $22 billion education funding increase. The funding could expand wraparound services, student and family supports, and school-community partnerships, strengthening the community schools model across California.

Click here for more details.



State Transformational Assistance Center (S-TAC)

Coherence and Sustainability Webinar focused on coherence to support long-term sustainability of the CCSPP

The focus of upcoming sessions are as follows:

  • February 3 - Early Learning
  • March 3- Special Education
  • Please find the registration details linked here.



Regional Transformational Assistance Center (R-TAC)

New Venue for Quarterly In-Person Meetings

We’re excited to announce that future quarterly in-person meetings will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton. Please register here for the upcoming March 5 event.


Professional Learning Feedback

Your input matters! We’re seeking feedback to help design meaningful professional learning for the 2026–27 school year. Please be sure to submit your feedback at the end of every session you attend.

R-TAC Partner Highlight

Sac Youth Center exists to serve all youth of Sacramento by providing life-changing tools and experiences for a hopeful future. They are a fully peer-run organization, the staff reflects the lived experiences of the youth we serve. They offer a variety of programs, including opportunities for youth to earn up to $300 per program. Along with mentorship, job training, and events for youth ages 14-24. 



Sac Youth Center collaborates with LEAs and school sites to create partnerships that provide on-site programs. They also have a Drop-In Center open Monday through Saturday 12pm-6pm. They encourage visitors to tour of their building and meet their staff! Please reach out with any questions 916-248-1081 or visit their website sacyouthcenter.org.

Wellness Center Toolkit

Take a look at a Wellness Toolkit that was shared by The Los Angeles County Office of Education. This is a nice tool to use if you are planning on opening a Wellness Center and need a place to start.

CS Forward Framework

Download the full Framework: Essentials for Community School Transformation document.

Capitol Area R-TAC | 10474 Mather Blvd | Sacramento, CA 95655 US

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