D.C. parents, students support creation of 'community schools'

Parents, students and school officials voiced their support for legislation that would keep District schools open after-hours to provide medical services and learning opportunities to the surrounding low-income communities.

The Community Schools Incentive Amendment Act of 2011, written by D.C. Councilman Michael Brown, D-at large, would partner five public schools with community organizations to provide mental health services, tutoring, adult classes in nutrition and literacy, and more initiatives to combat the effects of poverty.