The school division announced that it received a $235,000 state planning and implementation grant to support a community-schools model initiative the district is calling the Community Mentorship Coalition (CMC). Superintendent and program leaders said the CMC will fund three complementary programs focused on literacy (K–6), belonging and mentorship for middle grades, and life-ready skills for high school students.

Dr. Johnson described the grant-funded initiative as a division-level effort to formalize partnerships with nonprofits, the city, the University of Virginia, businesses and families to create wraparound supports focused on literacy, attendance and mentorship. She said the CMC would include (1) a "Confidence and Comprehension" literacy club for K–6 that trains volunteers to use district literacy software and takes-home kits for students; (2) a "Bridge Builders" program for seventh and eighth graders that offers monthly team events and mentor-led conversations about identity and mental health; and (3) a "Lab" or Life Ready Academy for high-school students with rotating workshops (financial literacy, resumes, car maintenance, tenants' rights) and mentor matches for seniors.

The grant will fund a one-year community-school specialist position and a van to transport students to events, support attendance initiatives, and deliver supplies. Staff said the division will create an advisory board and three working groups (one per program) composed of staff, partners, families and students; those groups are slated to begin meeting in the month after the award. Dr. Johnson said the division will track outcomes and build a sustainability plan for elements that prove effective.

Board members and staff discussed coordination with existing community services and suggested using city parks-and-rec connect sites and public-housing resident-services groups to expand access. Dr. Johnson said the grant planning includes a sustainability component and that the division will pursue partner support and data-driven decisions to sustain effective elements beyond the grant year.

No board vote was necessary; staff asked the board to note the award and engage in upcoming advisory-group work.