Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8303
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-15: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-26T08:06:59Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Revitalizing America's Schoolyards Act of 2026 authorizes the U.S. Secretary of Education to award grants to local educational agencies (school districts), educational service agencies (regional support groups for schools), or qualified nonprofits partnering with school districts. The goal is to transform outdoor spaces at public elementary and secondary schools into "revitalized schoolyards"—park-like areas that boost local ecology, offer hands-on learning, promote nature play, and improve health for children and adults.
Key Provisions
- Eligible Entities and Definitions:
- Eligible applicants: School districts, regional education agencies, or nonprofits expert in outdoor learning partnering with school districts.
- Revitalized schoolyard: Updated outdoor space with trees/plants, gardens, gathering areas, etc., designed for student/community input; open to public outside school hours (daylight only).
- Grant Structure (biennial cohorts over 4 years total):
- 5% of funds reserved for Tribal schools (via Secretary of the Interior).
- Year 1: Planning grants (30% of remaining funds) to create detailed concept plans prioritizing high-poverty schools, climate-vulnerable areas (e.g., low tree cover, heat/flood risk), accessibility, ecology, education, health goals.
- Year 2: Implementation grants (70% of remaining funds, if plan viable) to build/upgrade schoolyards; up to 25% for teacher training/stewardship; requires 20% non-federal match (waivable for high-poverty or Tribal schools).
- Total per entity: Up to $1 million; each phase ≤2 years; surplus funds reallocated with priority to strong prior applicants.
- Planning Grant Requirements: Community input, maintenance plans, cost estimates, focus on native plants, water conservation, nature playgrounds (cooler, accessible, non-petroleum materials).
- Implementation Priorities: High-poverty schools (≥75% free/reduced lunch eligible).
- Clearinghouse: Online resource hub (via National Center on School Infrastructure) with best practices, examples, lesson plans on outdoor learning.
- Funding: Authorizes "such sums as necessary" for fiscal years 2027–2031 (no specific amounts set).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new grant program under the Department of Education, not amending prior laws like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (terms borrowed for definitions).
- Adds novel requirements like biennial cohorts, planning-to-implementation progression, climate-resilient designs, and public-sharing mandates—expanding beyond traditional school infrastructure funding.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Department of Education administers grants/clearinghouse (added workload); Department of the Interior handles Tribal portion.
- Citizens/Students: Enhanced outdoor learning/health spaces, especially benefiting low-income (prioritized), climate-vulnerable schools; potential cost savings (e.g., shade reducing AC use); community access outside school hours.
- Schools/Educators: Professional development for outdoor teaching; long-term maintenance plans required.
- No direct international relations impact.
Main Stakeholders
- Primary: Public elementary/secondary schools (especially high-poverty, Tribal, climate-vulnerable); school districts/regional agencies; students/families (≥40–75% free/reduced lunch focus).
- Secondary: Nonprofits (outdoor education experts); educators/staff (training/stewardship); local communities (input/shared use); design professionals.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Equity Focus: Prioritizes underserved areas, aligning with federal goals for low-income/Tribal students; match waivers reduce barriers.
- No Constitutional Issues: Standard federal grant authority; complies with accessibility laws (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act).
- Political: Bipartisan potential via education/environmental benefits; relies on future appropriations (non-binding authorization); promotes climate adaptation without mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (18)
Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-15: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-04-15: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-15 — PDF (17 pages)