Growing Stronger Together: Corning Union Elementary’s Community School Hub Takes Shape
In the heart of rural Northern California lies Tehama County, an agriculturally rich region nestled along the Sacramento Valley two hours north of the state’s capital and about two hours south of the Oregon border. With a population of approximately 65,800 residents, the county is home to a diverse and resilient community, where nearly one in four residents is under the age of 18 and more than 27% identify as Hispanic or Latino. About 57% of the county’s residents live in rural areas.
Within this vibrant context, the Corning Union Elementary School District (CUESD) stands out as a hub of learning and community connection. Serving nearly 2,000 students across six schools, Corning Union Elementary is the largest district in Tehama County and reflects the cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the region. The district has a majority Hispanic student population, approximately 73%–77%, with a strong presence of English Language Learners, who make up over 40% of students.
Across Northern California, schools are redefining their role in students’ lives through the California Community Schools Framework, a holistic approach that connects academic success with whole-child supports, strong family engagement, and community-driven partnerships.
Living and learning in a rural community offers many strengths, including deep historical roots, a strong sense of belonging, and access to outdoor recreation. At the same time, rural communities often face unique challenges, particularly limited access to health care. In Tehama County, there is one primary care provider for every 1,871 residents, compared to California’s average of one per 1,483 residents. Access to mental health care is similarly constrained, with one mental health provider for every 430 residents, compared to the statewide ratio of approximately one per 310 residents. Rather than being defined by these barriers, CUESD is embracing its strengths as a close-knit rural community to reimagine what’s possible for youth through a shared, community-driven vision.
In Corning Union Elementary School District, this vision is coming to life through the leadership of Loretta Price, Community School Coordinator. Loretta works closely with site leaders, families, and regional partners to embed the community school framework into everyday practice.
“Community schools are built on partnership. When families, staff, and community come together to remove barriers and support the whole child, schools become places where everyone can thrive.”
— Loretta Price, Community School Coordinator
Launching the Corning Elementary Community School Hub
One of the most exciting developments in Corning is the opening of the Community School Hub, a welcoming space designed to be more than just an administrative office. It is a centralized resource hub that connects students, families, and community members to essential resources supporting health, well-being, and lifelong learning.
What the Hub Offers:
- Mental health counseling and emotional wellness supports.
- Laundry facilities are reducing a basic barrier for families.
- Future medical screening services, expanding health access directly on campus.
Adult education opportunities, including tech classes and English language learner (ELL) courses to support parents and caregivers.
This innovative model reflects a core principle of community schools: making wraparound services available where families already are, in spaces that are welcoming, culturally responsive, and tailored to local needs.
“The Community Schools Hub reflects our belief that student success is deeply connected to family and community well-being. This hub will provide coordinated supports that remove barriers to learning and create stronger, healthier outcomes for our students and families.”
-Tiffany Dietz, Superintendent, Corning Unified Elementary School District
Voices from the Community
Students and families in Corning are already sensing the impact:
Referring to our Digital Literacy classes that we provide for our families in our Hub;
“I originally signed up for the computer literacy class because I thought it would be good for my kids to learn more about computer safety. I consider myself technologically proficient and was afraid I would be bored, but it has been the opposite. I have been pleasantly surprised by how much Aaron has taught me and my kids, and we are only halfway through the course! We are excited to start the hands-on portion and experience what else he has to share. We even got Grandma to come with us and she is loving it!”
- Parent, Jennifer
“It's very informative and I am very grateful to learn about what is safe and unsafe to do on your device."
-Student, Allie
Referring to our Triple P Parenting Class;
“Parenting is hard, and it felt powerful to be in a room with other parents who feel the same way. The reminder to be gentle with ourselves and each other, and that even a few moments of focused attention can help our children feel seen, heard, and valued, really stayed with us.”
-Parent, Rocio
These lived experiences bring to life the community school mission: education intertwined with equity, connection, and opportunity.
A Model for Rural Resilience
The Corning Community School Hub stands as a testament to what’s possible when schools partner deeply with families and community organizations. Through intentional leadership, grassroots engagement, and a commitment to whole-child support, Corning Union Elementary is not just educating students; it’s strengthening the entire community’s well-being.
This work is strengthened by the ongoing support of the Tehama County Department of Education (TCDE), which plays a critical role in advancing the Community Schools Framework across all districts in the county. Through technical assistance, professional learning, cross-agency coordination, and regional partnerships, TCDE helps schools align academics, health, and family engagement into a cohesive system of support. By fostering collaboration and sharing promising practices, the county ensures that community schools are not isolated efforts, but part of a broader, sustainable strategy to improve outcomes for students and families throughout Tehama County.
As community schools continue to spread across Northern California, innovations like the Corning Hub offer a blueprint for rural districts seeking to ensure that students and families have equitable access to the resources they need to thrive, in school and beyond.
To learn more about community schools in our region, visit the North Star Regional Technical Assistance Community Schools section and explore regional stories of collaboration and innovation.