LM Oct 2025

The Transformative Power of Community Schools in Illinois Build Stronger Schools with the Community Schools Model Story Submitted By ACT Now

In recent years, Illinois has emerged as a leader in implementing the Community Schools model, a transformative approach to education that reimagines the role of schools in addressing systemic barriers to student success. Unlike traditional models that focus primarily on academics, Community Schools serve as neighborhood hubs that integrate education with critical supports like healthcare, mental health services, enrichment programs, and family engagement. In Illinois, ACT Now Illinois stewards the Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) model across the state. Built on four foundational pillars, integrated student supports, active family and community engagement, expanded learning opportunities, and collaborative leadership practices, the model provides a framework for schools to become centers of community life. What sets this model apart is its holistic approach. Through culturally sustaining learning and high-quality professional development, ACT Now ensures that schools are equipped to meet the diverse needs of their students. These keystone practices help educators create inclusive environments while continuously improving their strategies for teaching and engagement. Superintendent of Abingdon Avon School District, Bill Walters shared that “Community Schools has opened many doors in both of our communities in regards to understanding what our community wants from us as a school district. The needs assessment revealed a great deal of information that we simply wouldn’t have known had we not administered it to our staff, students and stakeholders.” ACT Now currently has 32 FSCS School Partners in 17 districts across the state. Community Schools have the flexibility to meet the individual needs of each of their communities. At DuQuoin CUSD #300, FSCS funding

has allowed the district to expand career pathways in the high school, provide opportunities to attend cultural events, and ensure all students have access to before and afterschool programming. Superintendent Diana Rea shared that when DuQuoin was impacted by a tornado, “the Community School grant allowed us to immediately help meet urgent needs by providing meals, clothing, and support for families as they rebuilt. These experiences show how Community Schools allow us to educate, support, and uplift not only students, but our entire community.” As Illinois continues to confront educational inequities, continued investment in Community Schools is not just beneficial, it’s essential. These schools address the root causes of achievement gaps by aligning resources, empowering families, and fostering collective responsibility. With the support of ACT Now and state leaders, Illinois has the opportunity to build a scalable, sustainable model that uplifts entire communities—one school at a time.

Interested in transforming your school into a Community School? Contact Lesley Rivers, Director of Community Schools, at rivers@actnowillinois.org.

19 LM October 2025