District schedules grand opening for first teen center at Dixie High; five centers planned

Washington County School District officials announced a grand opening for the district’s first teen center at Dixie High School on April 2 at 3:30 p.m. and said the site will be the first of five teen centers planned across the district.

The superintendent summarized the program as a set of services for students experiencing housing instability or hardship, including laundry, showers, a place to study, a small food pantry and a supply of clothing. District staff said the centers aim to reduce barriers so students “feel like their peers” and can continue attending school and coursework.

District staff said the initial teen-center grant funded five centers at Dixie, Snow Canyon, Pine View (cone site), Desert Hills and Hurricane, with Mill Creek added as an additional site when bids came in higher than anticipated. They said the district and individual schools have committed additional funds and that schools have agreed to take on some staffing responsibilities. The district plans a soft opening for students at Dixie the week before the April 2 event so students can see and use the space before the public celebration.

Funding for ongoing operations was described as primarily donations supplemented by grants. The superintendent said a named individual (Brian Donald) will lead grant-writing efforts and that a significant portion of staffing costs will be covered by that individual’s funding commitments; volunteers and support from local nonprofit groups — notably the Assistance League, which is winding down locally — were also cited as part of the sustainability plan. District staff said they will invite significant donors to the opening and that media will be invited to the first site.

School-based logistics include limited staffed hours rather than 24-hour access; staff described arrangements such as counselors taking shifts before and after school or schools freeing an aide for set hours. Where possible, sites will have an exterior entrance to allow students discreet access; Dixie High’s space will not have an exterior entrance but is described as suitable for the program.

Board members asked about long-term funding and security. District staff reiterated the donation-and-grant model, confirmed cameras and adult supervision would be used, and said the Assistance League and other partners would serve on advisory committees. Staff also said a design firm donated design work for the first site.

Why it matters: school-based teen centers provide wraparound services intended to keep students engaged in school who are otherwise at risk of absenteeism or disengagement due to basic needs. The district’s plan spreads those services across multiple high schools rather than creating a single centralized facility.

Additional details: staff said five teen centers were funded initially by a grant and that the district added one more site when bids exceeded initial estimates; the district will continue fundraising and pursue identified grants to cover operating costs.