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District reports summer growth for Community Learning Centers; Project SEARCH expands partnership with Sanford
Summary
Board heard two 'good news' reports: Community Learning Centers reported rising after‑school and summer enrollments and expansion plans; Project SEARCH reported successful internships at Sanford Health and plans to grow next year from three to six participants.
The Sioux Falls School District 49‑5 board received two year‑end “good news” reports Monday: one on Community Learning Centers (CLC) enrollment and program expansions, and one on Project SEARCH, a transition‑to‑work program for young adults with disabilities.
Paul Kaiser, executive director for the CLC program, said after‑school enrollment grew by about 50 unique elementary‑age students year‑over‑year. Summer care enrollment began the season with a little over 1,100 students, roughly 100 more than the prior year, and district staff said all summer program spots were filled. Staff said the CLC program will expand next year to include Marcela Labeaux (Marcela Laboe / Marcela Labeaux spelling varied in the record) and will add seven before‑school sites; community partners including Premier Playhouse, Sewer Skate and Atlas Soccer were named as new enrichment partners.
Dr. Nikki Whiting reported on Project SEARCH, the district’s transition program for young adults ages 18 to 21 that provides three 10‑week rotations of workplace experience and coaching with the goal of competitive employment (16 hours or more per week). Project SEARCH began in the district in the 2020–21 school year. This year the district moved internship rotations to Sanford Health earlier than planned; three young adults completed rotations at Sanford and one participant accepted a competitive position in environmental services. District staff said vocational rehabilitation and community service providers supported the effort and that Sanford carved out internship positions and assigned job coaches and mentors. The program’s maximum capacity at Sanford is eight; staff reported planning to grow from three participants this year to six next year.
Board members praised the programs and asked about referral processes and coordination with high schools; staff described a transition tour and rubric used by the Project SEARCH coordinator to identify candidates and noted employment consultants who work with each high school to identify appropriate students.
The board acknowledged both reports.
