September 15, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representative Judy Chu (CA-28) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD) introduced a resolution in both chambers of Congress, recognizing September 14-20th 2025, as Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week.
Community Schools are public schools that provide integrated student support, including well-designed and expanded learning opportunities informed by rigorous community-connected classroom instruction, and practice collaborative leadership to promote a culture of belonging, safety, and active family and community engagement, leading to positive academic and nonacademic outcomes. The resolution recognizes the important work of Community School Coordinators in building and strengthening successful Community Schools.
The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) applauds this resolution and celebrates the vital role that Community School Coordinators play in ensuring the success of students and their families. Their job involves managing partnerships that knit together academics, health and mental-health supports, and community services so students can thrive.
For every dollar invested in Community Schools and Community School Coordinators, there is up to $15 return in services, yielding improved attendance and behavior, on-time grade progression, credit accumulation for high school students, and a greater connection to the broader community. Community Schools work, and Coordinators make that possible.
“Schools can’t solve all the challenges students face across the country,” said Eddie Koen, President of IEL. “It takes a village — and Community School Coordinators are at the center, organizing meaningful academic partnerships, family engagement, and opportunities for students. Their leadership ensures that Community Schools are vibrant hubs for learning and collaboration, able to nurture, support, and inspire student success on every front.”
“Representative Chu and Senator Van Hollen have been champions for Community Schools for many years,” said IEL Senior Policy Director Dr. Michelle Lessly Blackburn. “We continue to extend our gratitude for their recognition of the hardworking Coordinators who make the Community School strategy so impactful for children and youth, whether they be in rural, suburban, or urban schools, across all states.”
As Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week begins, we invite advocates to continue to tell their Community Schools stories, highlight their Coordinators, and to stay tuned for more updates throughout the week.