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Lighthouse Charter presents annual update to Washington Unified board; highlights SEL, special education and arts programs
Summary
Lighthouse Charter School leaders presented their annual update, outlining signature programs in project‑based learning, arts and music, inclusive special education services, and enrollment and fiscal trends.
Lighthouse Charter School presented its annual update to the Washington Unified School District board on May 22, reporting on curricular priorities, student supports and recent governance developments.
School Superintendent Roxanna Villasenor and board chair Omar Carrillo described Lighthouse’s signature programs — project‑based learning, the arts and music — that staff said provide regular exposure to creative and collaborative learning. Lighthouse staff highlighted social‑emotional learning (SEL) as a core philosophy; speech‑language pathologist Erin Kelly noted SEL work, counseling check‑ins and the school’s participation in a county mental‑health cohort.
Lighthouse leaders described inclusive special‑education services supported by a team of mild/moderate teachers, bilingual speech‑language staff, occupational therapists, psychologists and behavior specialists. The school reported progress in English‑learner outcomes (a 16.9% gain cited on the state dashboard) and low suspension and expulsion rates compared with state averages.
Board chair Omar Carrillo described administrative back‑office contracts (for example, Charter Impact) and recent finance work; he said audits were sound and the charter met bond covenants. River Charter Schools Teachers Association representatives described union organizing and contract negotiation highlights at Lighthouse, including ratified contracts and improved protections and pay for teachers.
Board members asked for clarification about governance and retention. Lighthouse representatives said there are seven board positions (one vacancy) and provided recent staff retention figures: 72% for 2021–23, 60% for 2023–24, with an anticipated 73% retention for the coming year based on the latest data. Trustees praised Lighthouse’s work and asked for follow‑up on any questions they had.
Why it matters: Charter schools operating within a district’s authorizing authority must provide annual reports; this presentation offers the district and public insight into Lighthouse’s program priorities, special‑education services and fiscal stability.
