District to pilot OnTrack Plus, SmartFutures and Devereux student-assistance liaison

The education committee on Sept. 9 approved moving several student-support initiatives to the full board for ratification and discussed outreach plans to ensure students and families know how to access them.

The committee agreed to proceed with an OnTrack Plus college-planning pilot; administrators said the tool is free and offers incentives and scholarship opportunities to students who complete modules that boost college and career readiness. The pilot will first target seniors and juniors who are not demonstrating proficiency on college-and-career readiness measures and will be integrated through guidance counselors and the college-and-career center.

The committee also moved a district license purchase for SmartFutures, at a cost of $15,125, which would give K–12 students districtwide access to career and college planning resources. District staff said SmartFutures supplements existing tools and will be promoted through communications channels and the college-and-career center.

Separately, the district described a renewed agreement with the Devereux Foundation for a student-assistance program liaison whose role is to conduct intakes, contact families and coordinate counseling referrals. Staff emphasized that the liaison "doesn't meet with students unless parents give permission," and that the liaison works closely with SAP-based teams to follow up on student needs. Committee members asked for clarification about contract terms and costs; staff later confirmed there is no additional cost for the liaison under the presented agreement.

Administrators said they will publicize these resources and work with counselors to target outreach to students who could most benefit from services.