The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2026 authorizes billions of dollars in federal funding to expand a program that transforms public schools into community hubs offering integrated student supports, expanded learning time, and active family engagement. This legislation primarily affects local educational agencies, schools serving high-poverty populations, and eligible entities such as school districts, tribes, and nonprofits that apply for grants to implement or expand these school models. Key provisions establish new roles like community school coordinators and directors, mandate the creation of diverse leadership teams including parents and community members, and require schools to provide services such as health care, housing assistance, and after-school programs. The bill also updates definitions within the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to clarify eligibility criteria and outlines specific reporting requirements to track student outcomes and program effectiveness.
This bill establishes the Interagency Advisory Commission on Advancing Restorative Justice in Elementary and Secondary Education, affecting elementary and secondary schools, their personnel, and students, particularly students of color. The Commission is tasked with developing guidelines for tracking restorative practices and creating official definitions for "restorative justice" and "restorative practices" for the Department of Education. It will also develop and distribute training materials to school personnel aimed at reducing bias, enhancing cultural competency, and improving responses to student behavior. Furthermore, the Commission will work to increase school staff's ability to provide culturally competent mental health support and recommend ideal school psychologist and counselor-to-student ratios for federally funded schools. The Commission will submit annual reports on its progress and a final report with its comprehensive findings and recommendations.
The Educational Equity Challenge Grant Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program to help eligible educational entities address students' academic, social-emotional, mental, behavioral, and physical health needs, including those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Administered by the Secretary of Education, the program awards funds for either implementing proven, evidence-based strategies or designing and evaluating new, educator-initiated proposals. Priority for these grants is given to entities serving high-need student populations, such as those in rural areas, low-income communities, and various disproportionately affected groups. Recipients must report annually on how funds were used and their impact on student outcomes.
The Educational Equity Challenge Grant Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program to provide funding to local and state educational agencies, non-profit partnerships, and other eligible entities. These grants aim to address students' academic, social-emotional, mental, behavioral, and physical health needs, especially those exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds will support either evidence-based activities or innovative, educator-initiated proposals, with specific allocations for rural areas, low-income student populations, and tribal schools. Priority will be given to applicants serving high-need students, including those from low-income families, students of color, and students with disabilities, to promote equitable educational outcomes. Grant recipients must report on how funds were used and their effect on student learning and well-being.
The Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026 establishes a grant program, administered by the Department of Education, to help public elementary and secondary schools transform their outdoor spaces into "revitalized schoolyards." These new outdoor environments are designed to strengthen local ecological systems, provide hands-on learning opportunities, and promote nature play and social interaction for students and the community. Eligible entities, including local schools and partner non-profits, can apply for planning grants to design these spaces and then implementation grants to build them, with priority given to schools serving a high percentage of low-income students or those vulnerable to extreme heat or flooding. The bill requires a 20% non-federal match for implementation grants, which can be waived for high-need or tribal schools, and also directs the Secretary to maintain a clearinghouse of outdoor learning resources.
This bill extends federal funding for school-based health centers through fiscal year 2031. It directly affects schools and community organizations that operate health centers providing medical care to students. The key provision increases the annual grant amount to $55 million per year for the five-year period. This change ensures continued financial support for programs that offer healthcare services directly within educational settings. The legislation does not alter eligibility requirements or program structure, only the funding timeline and amount.
The Protein for Every Plate Act of 2026 amends the Food and Nutrition Act to increase funding for animal protein purchases under the National School Lunch Program. Specifically, it adds $200,000,000 in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the existing commodity funds designated for food distribution. This change directly affects schools and food programs that receive federal nutrition assistance by allowing them to purchase more animal protein items. The bill modifies existing statutory language to formally include this additional funding amount in the program's financial provisions.
This bill, known as the Stop Secret Counseling of Students Act, prohibits public elementary and secondary schools from using federal funds to provide gender-related counseling to students under 18. It specifically bans employees or contractors from offering therapy or guidance on gender identity, including assistance with social transition plans, and prevents them from advising students on how to hide their gender identity or transition plans from their parents. The legislation allows parents to file civil lawsuits in federal court against schools if they believe these counseling restrictions have been violated. Schools that fail to comply with these requirements would be ineligible to receive funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
This bill, known as the Breakfast After the Bell Act of 2026, provides additional funding to schools that serve breakfast to students after the school day begins. It directly affects local educational agencies and schools that participate in breakfast programs using specific service models, such as serving meals in classrooms or at kiosks outside cafeterias. Under the bill, schools would receive an extra 10 cents for each breakfast served that meets the program requirements, with funds flowing from the state educational agency to the individual school. Eligibility is limited to schools either receiving special assistance payments or having at least 40 percent of enrolled students identified as eligible for free or reduced-price meals in the prior school year. The legislation amends the existing Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to establish this new reimbursement category.
School Social Workers Improving Student Success Act This bill provides certain resources to increase the number of social workers in elementary and secondary schools. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to high-need local educational agencies to retain or hire school social workers. The bill also establishes a national technical assistance center for school social work to, among other duties, develop strategies for improving the effectiveness of the school social work workforce.