Board approves RISE work program to place students in district jobs with third‑party pay

The board approved a RISE workforce‑development program to give students paid, supervised work experience across district departments and community partners.

Program leads described a tiered approach: students will start in supervised, on‑campus roles under RISE staff supervision and, as they demonstrate readiness, may move into partner placements with grounds, transportation, maintenance, and other district operations. Presenters said Arizona at Work and other partners will fund student wages — roughly $15 per hour in the pilot — and that the district’s only requested obligation is to provide workers’ compensation coverage for student placements.

RISE staff said the program will be selective and targeted to students whose needs align with the program’s eligibility criteria; placements will include an onboarding process, job descriptions aligned to student capacity, and close supervision to avoid placing undue mentoring burdens on district employees. RISE leaders said they already operate a pre‑employment transition services (pre‑ETS) program with Arizona at Work and that the new initiative expands paid placements and district partnerships.

Board members asked about safeguards, job descriptions, and staff training; presenters said placements will be screened, supervised by RISE staff initially, and staged so students earn responsibilities as they demonstrate readiness. Trustees approved the program by voice vote and asked administration to finalize operational details and return implementation updates as needed.