District staff introduced the Transition Education Center and summarized services that support students with the most complex needs to prepare for life after high school, focusing on postsecondary education/training, employment and independent living.

The presenter (introduced as Sarah Derby, assistant director of student support services and principal of the Transition Education Center) described four programs: Transition Plus (students beyond senior year), Project Search (an internship program located at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul), TAP (transition and postsecondary preparation for grades 9–12+ with social-emotional and mental-health needs) and AWARE (academic and restorative supports for students returning from suspension).

Staff said they use FastBridge screening and that an early screener identified about 20% of Transition Center students in a “some risk” range for reading; targeted interventions and homework-help opportunities are in place. For work-based learning, presenters reported seven paid student worksites within the district and 22 unpaid (volunteer) placements; Project Search runs 10-week rotations across hospital departments and currently has six interns at Gillette. Presenters said five former interns accepted permanent employment at Gillette and three took summer jobs there; they reported that about 80% of Project Search participants have gained competitive, integrated employment after completing the program.

Staff described a student-run business (Bare Boards and More) that teaches design, production and customer service, and outlined plans to survey district departments to identify routine but meaningful tasks (shredding, sorting, folding, lawn care, dishwashing, packing) that could provide additional, supervised work opportunities at the district center.

Board members asked whether the district partners with community providers that place adults with disabilities; staff said vocational rehabilitation counselors are assigned and the district has a work coordinator who conducts outreach and signs training agreements with businesses. The board thanked staff for the report and for the services provided to students transitioning to adult life.

No formal action was taken on program expansion during the meeting.