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District leaders discuss dual‑enrollment funding, Nunez partnership and new LEAP Connect program
Summary
Committee discussion addressed funding for dual‑enrollment programs, partnership with Nunez Community College, the end of a competitive ESSER "Reimagine" grant and the district’s new LEAP Connect program for students with significant disabilities.
Finance and district leaders discussed dual‑enrollment funding, the district’s partnership with Nunez Community College and the launch of a LEAP Connect program for students with significant disabilities.
Mister Fernandez told the committee that the district receives state allocations for dual enrollment through the Minimum Foundation Program but warned that state policy changes and accountability formulas have de‑emphasized dual enrollment in some measures. "If the funding for those dual enrollment programs does not keep up with the demand, then we're going to have to begin making adjustments in that area as well," he said. Fernandez noted that a recent competitive ESSER grant called "Reimagine" provided roughly $1.5 million over three years to expand offerings, but that those one‑time funds have expired.
Superintendent Miss Voci highlighted the student outcomes from the Nunez partnership: several graduating seniors earned college credits and degrees through dual enrollment, and the district reported that seven graduates completed associate degrees while many others earned certifications. "We had seven students last night who graduated with not only their high school diploma but with an associate degree from Nunez," she said, noting the program’s benefits for families and college affordability.
Fernandez and other speakers said the district is exploring a mix of state allocations, possible local partnerships with businesses and community organizations to support career and technical pathways, and internal adjustments if state or federal funding declines. The committee also heard that the district will start a LEAP Connect program at Nunez to serve students with significant disabilities; special education staff have met with parents and families about that fall start.
The committee did not take a final funding decision during the meeting; members discussed options and instructed staff to continue planning and to pursue partnerships to sustain program growth if external funding levels change.
