FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions in our FAQ section. Whether you’re looking for guidance, troubleshooting tips, or detailed information about our supports, this is the place to start. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

Community Schools 101

Where can I get support?

What is the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP)?

Who is eligible to apply for CCSP planning or implementation funding?

An applicant must be an LEA (defined as a school district, charter school, or county office of education), a consortium of two or more LEAs, or a public or government-funded entity that partners with a qualifying LEA. For more information see the CDE’s CCSPP website .

How long is the planning grant? How long is the implementation grant?

Planning grant is 2 years. Implementation grant is 5 years.

Is it possible to move to an implementation grant after 1 year?

Yes, but usually not recommended.

Application

Where can I find a sample timeline?

What if a school is near or slightly below the Unduplicated Pupil Percentage (UPP)?

They should still apply, as this may be lowered in future cohorts.

If we currently have a planning grant, when do we begin the application process for the implementation grant?

If the LEA/site has completed the two year Planning grant cycle then you may prepare to apply for the Implementation grant.

If your LEA is interested in applying for the Implementation grant after one year of holding the planning grant, the grantee may do so. The grantee must complete and submit the End-of-Project Expenditure Report. This report is to show actual expenditures. All expenditures are to support the goals of the grant. When completing the expenditure report, grantees will need to be able to show (in the description) how the cost aligns with the deliverables and the purpose of the grant and submitted application.

If we have a planning grant for a few schools in our district, but more schools in our district would qualify based on the UPP%, can we our implementation grant include more schools than those in our planning grant?

Yes, any LEA can apply for the Implementation grant if they meet the requirements.

Budget

What are allowable (and non-allowable) CCSPP expenses?

Please reference pages 10-12 of the Implementation Cohort 1 RFA
Please reference pages 8-11 of the Planning Cohort 2 RFA
Please reference pages 10-12 of the Implementation Cohort 2 RFA

Can we match funds (i.e. through use of facilities for community school events, meetings, trainings, and custodial expenses)?

Yes. You need to be able to show how they are supporting CS work. Funds can not be used to supplant current work. Please see the Request for Application (RFA) for more budget related information.

How can I make a CCSPP budget change request?

Budget Change Request Form

What happens if the Year 1 money is not all spent?

Please reference the Fund Distribution of the RFA
- Planning grants do NOT roll over after the 2 year planning grant period. The grantee must spend the funding by the end of year 2.
- Implementation grants do NOT roll over after the 5 year planning grant period. The grantee must spend the funding by the end of year 5.

Can CCSPP funds be used to fund on-going projects?

Please reference pages 10-12 of the Implementation Cohort 1 RFA
Please reference pages 8-11 of the Planning Cohort 2 RFA
Please reference pages 10-12 of the Implementation Cohort 2 RFA

What if a grantee school is slated to close or consolidate?

The CDE does not currently have policy regarding this.

Tools & Resources

Where can I find resources and examples for ....?

Needs and Assets Assessment

Where can I find samples of Needs Assessments Surveys?

What level of participation is considered best practice?

75-100%

What are some best practices for aligning SPSA, LCAP and Community Schools plans?

The Annual Progress Report (APR) had been developed in alignment with the LCAP and SPSA