District staff present annual Open Doors partnership renewals; programs serve older students at risk of dropping out

Assistant Director Riley Todd presented the annual renewal packages for the district's Open Doors partnership programs, which the district operates with outside providers to serve older students (ages 16–21) who are credit‑deficient, at risk of dropout, or seeking alternative diploma pathways.

Todd said the portfolio includes four distinct partner programs operated by South Seattle College (CareerLink), Highline College Open Doors, Southwest Youth and Family Services Open Doors, and Graduation Alliance. He described the funding model as a pass‑through: the district receives funding when students enroll and make academic progress and then passes payments to partner agencies while retaining a 7% indirect fee; Todd said that retention is expected to amount to about $160,000 next school year.

Todd emphasized the programs do not receive operating allocations from the district and typically operate without upfront payments; he said most partnerships have existed more than a decade and that, without renewal, those partner programs would likely close and students could drop out.

Student examples Todd shared included Heidi, who reengaged at age 20 through CareerLink, completed a diploma with a 3.84 GPA and enrolled in culinary classes at South Seattle College, and Amaya, who earned an A in a first college class and is scheduled to graduate in winter 2025.

Why it matters: The Open Doors partners provide alternative pathways and postsecondary opportunities to older students whose needs exceed what comprehensive high schools may provide. Todd asked the board to approve renewals (items 10.3–10.6 on the agenda); the presentation was introductory and the record shows the items were placed for approval in the board process.

Ending: Directors thanked staff and asked for notification of partner graduation dates so board members can attend partner program ceremonies.