By Scott Harvey
Paris – District 3 Representative Mark Homer has been elected vice chairman of the Communities in Schools State Advisory Committee.
Communities in Schools is the largest dropout prevention network in America and helps at-risk students to successfully learn, stay in school and prepare for life by providing personalized case management services and coordinating community resources.
Communities in Schools of Texas is the largest state program in the national CIS network, having served 767 campuses in 134 school districts, and helping more than 84,500 students in 2009. Out of those students, 98% stayed in school, 93% were promoted to the next grade, and 87% had improved behavior.
The role of the CIS State Advisory Committee is to advise and provide guidance to programs, while working closely with the Texas Education Agency, the CIS State Office, local CIS boards, school districts and campuses. Responsibilities include educating state and community leaders through public awareness, program expansion, securing funding in new communities, marketing, public relations, resource development and assisting the state in achieving program goals.
Homer was appointed to the committee in 2009 by House Speaker Joe Straus.
For more information on committees or any other issue, Rep. Homer encourages interested individuals to contact his office at (903) 784-0977 or at mark.homer@house.state.tx.us.