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District warns community transition program outgrowing Franklin Field House; ADA access and space options under review
Summary
District staff reported growth in the Community Transition Services (CTS) program for students ages 18–21, projected enrollment increases and a search for ADA‑compliant space and additional staffing at the March 10 board meeting.
District staff told the board that Community Transition Services (CTS), the program serving students who continue to receive special education through age 21, is growing and may outgrow its current Franklin Field House location.
Anne Lach, manager of inclusionary practices, and other student services staff said CTS focuses on daily‑living, vocational and community‑access skills for young adults who remain eligible for services through age 21. Staff reported 23 participants this year and projected 32 next year, rising to 41 and 52 in subsequent years under current projections.
Nut graf: The projected growth and a rise in participants with complex medical and mobility needs have prompted staff to evaluate whether upgrades to the Franklin Field House are feasible or whether a relocation to a more accessible district facility is necessary. Staff said the district is exploring ADA accessibility upgrades, kitchen and vocational classroom needs, and staffing increases to maintain appropriate caseloads.
Staff described how the program has evolved: CTS began in off‑site locations in the 1990s and moved to Franklin Field House in 2016. Staff said the program added a second teacher in 2021. With the projected 50+ participants in coming years, staff signaled an expected need for additional teachers and paraprofessionals and said facility upgrades would be required to accommodate increased mobility and medical supports.
Ending: District staff said they will evaluate costs to upgrade current sites and review other district facilities for suitability, and will bring recommendations back to the board as planning continues.
