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Warren Academy outlines hands-on programs and rising recidivism concerns as it expands services
Summary
Warren Academy reported serving roughly 35–40 students with new adjunct facilities, a pumpkin-patch agricultural project and a focus on behavior change; administrators noted a 13% recidivism rate among students who had returned to the program and described steps to improve follow-up after reintegration to home schools.
Warren Academy, the district's alternative-education program, briefed the Warren County Board of Education on Feb. 20 about program growth, student supports and new facilities for a 3–5 adjunct academy.
Mister Bridal Matheny (presenter identifying himself as the Academy lead) said the program currently serves about 35 students—closer to 40 with recent enrollments—and has begun a new adjunct building near the middle school. He described student activities including a pumpkin patch the students tended, a Thanksgiving meal the program prepares for students and families, and a hot-chocolate bar at Christmas.
Matheny said the average student stay in the program is 117 days (he noted the figure is skewed by a few very long enrollments and estimated a more typical average nearer 85–90 days). He said the district’s goal is to reduce repeat referrals and better support students when they return to home schools. The recidivism rate reported was 13 percent for students who have previously been in the program.
Why it matters: The Academy focuses on behavioral change and academic recovery; Matheny said staff work to return students with passing grades and to provide ongoing follow-up in receiving schools. The board discussed increased female representation among referrals and general trends in student mental-health and behavior.
Support staff and partners: Matheny thanked maintenance and central-office staff for facility support and local churches and organizations that donated turkeys for the Thanksgiving meal. He also named the Academy staff and the adjunct SEL liaison and school counselor as key members of the program.
Next steps: The Academy will continue facility upgrades (asbestos tile removal, painting, landscaping), expand social-emotional learning supports in the adjunct, and continue follow-up visits with students returning to home schools to reduce recidivism.
