TITLE: Recognizing March 4, 2025, as Communities In Schools Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing March 4, 2025, as Communities In Schools Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Communities In Schools of Texas has long made a positive difference in the lives of countless youth and their families; and WHEREAS, The state's largest provider of school-based behavioral health services for students, CIS of Texas was first established in 1979, and during its 46 years in Texas, it has expanded to include 27 affiliates located across the state; and WHEREAS, This notable organization builds relationships that empower students to stay in school and succeed in life by applying a multitiered system of support designed to help address chronic absenteeism that can lead to low academic performance; through its efforts to reengage students disconnected from school, CIS helps close the achievement gap and improve student outcomes; and WHEREAS, Of the more than 122,000 students served by CIS during the last school year, 99 percent stayed in school, 98 percent were promoted to the next grade, 91 percent improved in academics, and 90 percent improved in behavior; in addition, 98 percent of eligible seniors graduated; and WHEREAS, Trained CIS staff and mental health professionals provide trauma-informed interventions that alleviate emotional and behavioral challenges, enhance coping skills, improve student well-being and, in turn, scholastic achievement; CIS staff are more involved than ever before in keeping schools and students safe by offering services free of charge on school campuses, where students are located; and WHEREAS, CIS affiliates leverage state funding with additional public and private fundraising from local communities, providing nearly five dollars in services for every dollar invested by the state; this leveraging effect, which is unique to CIS, multiplies the impact of state funding and allows CIS to assist more students in need; and WHEREAS, Helping young Texans to prepare for successful futures, Communities In Schools of Texas is a program of immeasurable importance, and it is indeed appropriate to take this opportunity to commend the group for the support it provides to students in the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby recognize March 4, 2025, as Communities In Schools Day at the State Capitol; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for CIS of Texas as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Buckley Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 341 was adopted by the House on March 4, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House