The Thompson School District Board of Education held a regular meeting on March 26, 2025, where key discussions centered around the introduction and progress of Project Search, a program aimed at preparing young adults with disabilities for competitive employment.

Theo Robison, Executive Director of Secondary Education, introduced Jason Hanford, the Exceptional Student Services Coordinator, who detailed the program's structure and objectives. Project Search is a one-year school-to-work initiative that provides hands-on experience through internships at Banner Health McKee. Participants engage in three 10-week rotations across various departments, gaining essential job skills and experience in a real-world setting.

Kayla Becker, the Project Search instructor, shared insights into the daily operations of the program. Currently in its pilot year, the program has six interns who receive transportation support and participate in employability skills training before heading to their internships. The curriculum includes team building, workplace safety, and job application skills, with students actively working on resumes and interview techniques.

The interns are involved in diverse roles, from cafeteria duties to facilities maintenance, allowing them to develop transferable skills relevant to future employment. The program emphasizes independence, with students gradually taking on more responsibilities as they progress through their rotations.

The board expressed enthusiasm for the program's impact, noting its potential for expansion in the future. Plans are underway to recruit new interns for the upcoming school year, with an onboarding day scheduled for May 19.

In addition to Project Search, the meeting included a budget update presented by Bob, who outlined the financial status of the district. He emphasized the importance of transparency in financial reporting and the ongoing efforts to improve budget management practices.

The meeting concluded with discussions on upcoming negotiations related to human resources, focusing on site-based decision-making processes and employee benefits. The board is set to continue these discussions in future meetings, with the next session scheduled for April 10.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for students with disabilities and ensuring sound financial management as it prepares for the next academic year.