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Board hears updates on Future Readiness program, ESY plans, research study and violence-prevention dance team
Summary
Administrators described a paid Future Readiness Leaders program stipend request, proposed summer ESY dates and staffing, an opt-in research study at Dixon Prep (with $46,000 to the district), and a possible violence-prevention dance program that may be free or fee-based.
District staff asked the board to approve a $1,000 stipend for each of two staff members and outlined plans for summer special-education extended school year (ESY) programming, a research study at Dixon Preparatory STEAM Academy and a violence-prevention dance team pilot.
The presenter said the Future Readiness Leaders Program — run in partnership with Goodwill, a consortium for public education and community partners — pays scholars and supports high-school students developing career-readiness plans. The board was told Kristen Coles and Kevin Maguire lead the program at the high school and that the consortium previously planned to provide stipends but lacks funds; the district staff asked to use curriculum dollars to provide $1,000 each to Coles and Maguire for the current school year.
On special education, staff proposed again hosting ESY at Dixon Preparatory STEAM Academy from June 16 to July 10, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, providing breakfast and a grab-and-go lunch. Staffing requests included hiring eight certified teachers at $32 per hour, 10 paraprofessionals at $18 per hour and two speech therapists at $32 per hour. Staff said occupational and physical therapy are usually provided through the AIU but that the district would hire internal OT/PT if qualified candidates are available.
The board also heard a presentation request from Advanced Education Research and Development for an opt-in study at Dixon that would pay the district approximately $46,000 and compensate participating teachers and students; the study aims to identify student motivation and is already in use in another district, staff said. Finally, staff described the violence-prevention dance team program piloted last year; the presenter said last year the district used SEEK funding but, because those funds are not available this year, the district expects to take the free option unless a grant can be secured.
Board members asked how often the Future Readiness staff meet with students; the presenter said leaders meet roughly twice a month outside instructional time and take quarterly trips with partners. The stipend request and ESY hires will appear on future agendas for approval and budget placement.
