Weber School District proposes Catalyst Center for high school students

The Study Session held on April 9, 2025, by the Weber School District focused on the development of a Catalyst Center aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for high school students. The proposed center would be accessible to all eleventh and twelfth graders within the district, not limited to those at Weaver Innovation or 2 Rivers. The centralization of the Catalyst Center is intended to improve transportation efficiency for students.

During the meeting, officials discussed the need for a suitable building for the center, noting that recent properties considered required significant renovations. Plans to further explore potential sites and the associated costs were highlighted, with an emphasis on creating an inviting environment for students to engage in the programs offered.

Additionally, the discussion included the restructuring of high school initiatives into a more streamlined approach. Nick Harris, currently serving as the ETNL director and principal of Weaver Innovation, was recognized for his contributions in differentiating staffing roles and enhancing programming. However, there was a consensus that his focus should shift towards broader district-wide digital teaching and learning strategies, particularly in the context of integrating artificial intelligence into the curriculum.

To support this transition, the district proposed the creation of a new leadership position at Weaver Innovation, specifically for competency-based personalized learning (PCBL). This role aims to attract a leader with proven experience in high-performing PCBL environments, which would be instrumental in advancing the district's educational model.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue discussions on these initiatives, ensuring that the district remains proactive in enhancing educational offerings and adapting to emerging technologies.