Salem-Keizer Public Schools is slated to receive more than $35 million from the Student Success Act. Annually, this student investment account can only be used to meet students’ mental or behavioral health needs and increase academic achievement for students while reducing academic disparities.
The district convened a student investment account task force in September and the group wrapped up its initial phase of work sessions on October 28. Made up of almost 40 members of the community and employees from across the district, the work group honed its focus on specific community teams to address the needs of students who are economically disadvantaged; (Native American, English learners, black or African American, those experiencing homelessness, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders and those receiving special education services).
During November, the district will go out to the community through forums and focus groups to gather more feedback about how to invest funds in the student investment account. The student investment account task force will take the information gathered to make its final recommendation to Superintendent Christy Perry in January.
The community forums will be held in Keizer at McNary High on Monday, Nov. 18 and in Salem on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at South Salem High. Both meetings take place from 6-8 p.m. Free dinner and childcare will be provided.