The Safe Water in Schools Act of 2026 directs federal funding to help schools and child care programs install point-of-use water filtration systems. These filters are intended to prevent exposure to lead in drinking water before testing occurs or to clean up existing contamination. The bill authorizes specific annual funding amounts, increasing from $60 million in 2026 to $72 million in 2030, to support these efforts. Local educational agencies will receive grants to implement the filtration systems at facilities under their jurisdiction. This legislation amends the existing Safe Drinking Water Act to formalize these requirements and funding levels.
The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2026 authorizes billions of dollars in federal funding to expand a program that helps public schools in high-poverty areas provide integrated student supports, extended learning time, and active community engagement. The bill establishes specific roles for coordinators and directors to manage these efforts and requires schools to form leadership teams that include students, parents, educators, and community members. Funding is distributed through competitive grants to local educational agencies, states, and tribal organizations, with priority given to schools serving low-income students and those in rural or tribal areas. The legislation also mandates regular reporting on student outcomes and school climate to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
This resolution expresses support for designating the week beginning March 2, 2026, as "School Social Work Week" to honor the contributions of school social workers. It highlights the role these professionals play in assisting students facing challenges such as mental health issues, poverty, and family stress by providing counseling and connecting families with community resources. The measure encourages the public to observe this week with activities that raise awareness about how school social workers help improve student outcomes and school safety.
The Campus Lifeline Act of 2026 amends federal health laws to expand mental health support for students and youth. It directs support for student groups on college campuses, such as athletic teams and mental health clubs, to educate peers and intervene when warning signs of mental health or substance use disorders appear. The legislation also requires states and institutions of higher education to list the 988 suicide prevention hotline on newly issued identification cards. Furthermore, it mandates that federal agencies coordinate with the Department of Education and Transportation to create public awareness plans for the 988 hotline.
The Feed Our Kids Act of 2026 mandates that all children enrolled in participating schools receive free breakfasts and lunches, removing previous eligibility requirements based on family income. Under this legislation, schools are prohibited from collecting unpaid meal debts from parents or guardians and are forbidden from using tactics like special tokens or public lists to identify students who owe money. The bill also establishes specific reimbursement rates for free meals, introduces incentives for using locally sourced farm products, and extends free meal access to summer and afterschool programs. Additionally, the act requires a report to Congress within two years to evaluate the program's impact on student academic outcomes and access to nutrition.
The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 mandates that all children enrolled in participating schools receive free breakfast and free lunch, eliminating previous income-based eligibility requirements. The bill establishes specific funding rates for these meals, adjusts them annually for inflation, and requires states to disburse funds directly to selected schools. Additionally, the legislation prohibits schools from collecting unpaid meal debts from parents and forbids practices like segregating students or publicly identifying those who cannot pay. The act also expands summer food programs to include all children, updates poverty measurement standards for federal data, and extends free lunch eligibility to incarcerated juveniles in eligible detention centers.
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.
