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Central High School reports rising attendance, new experiential learning and community health pilot
Summary
Central High School principals told the board the alternative-learning campus has improved attendance and credit recovery by using extended credit-recovery periods, experiential learning Wednesdays, community partnerships for certified nursing assistant training and a May pilot to place a community health worker on campus.
Central High School administrators told the Mankato Public School District board they have increased student attendance and credit recovery by changing the school schedule, adding experiential learning and partnering with community organizations to expand career pathways.
Principal Marty Sevek and Dean Dan Sharpstein described an accelerated-credit schedule in which third and fifth periods are extended to allow embedded credit-recovery courses and a Wednesday schedule dedicated to experiential learning. Examples of Wednesday offerings included strategic board gaming (used for social skills and conflict resolution), PC building, woodworking, and community service projects. Administrators said those experiences are designed to accelerate credit attainment for students who enter Central behind on graduation requirements.
Sevek said attendance rose during the 2023–24 year from a low in the low-60s to finish the year at about 71% and that the school has seen multi-year improvements compared with historical rates. To expand career pathways, Central partnered with Project SUCCESS and local postsecondary providers to create a certified nursing assistant (CNA) pathway: Sevek said eight students currently attend a weekly full-day program at South Central where they can become eligible to take the CNA certification test. Administrators emphasized the wraparound supports provided (transportation, lunch and supplies) to remove barriers for students who otherwise might not pursue postsecondary credentials.
Central also described community-based projects: students working with business leaders to build a shed at Kennedy Elementary and ongoing ‘‘boot camp’’ shop experiences in which trade unions provide weekly instruction. Administrators said these placements are intended to build real-world skills, resume confidence and professional networks.
Looking ahead, Sevek said the district will pilot an on-site community health worker beginning about May 7 in partnership with Community Education, WellShare International and Open Door. The community health worker will meet confidentially with students, screen for needs and coordinate referrals; administrators said the pilot reflects a full-service community school model and will be followed by additional on-site services (such as immunization clinics) in the fall if the pilot proceeds.
Board members asked for updates on recovery and rehabilitation funding; Sevek said Central receives state recovery grant funding and staff continue to pursue additional grants for substance use supports, but available dollars have declined relative to prior years. The administrators also described transportation support and resource education for students (including free city bus access for enrolled students) and a structured intake and onboarding process that includes family meetings and a welcome assembly each quarter.
Board members praised the school’s work and asked for graduation-rate data to be provided later; Sevek said graduation improved after COVID and that he would supply specific graduation figures on request. Several trustees said the school’s innovations align with the district’s mission of excellence, equity and empowerment.
