Alternative/recovery program reports enrollment growth and stronger attendance, cites broad community partnerships

At the Curriculum & Instruction Committee meeting, a presenter identified in the transcript as Speaker 6 described rapid enrollment growth and measurable academic gains in the district’s recovery/alternative education program.

Speaker 6 stated the program grew from "probably the year 24 students, quickly grew to almost 80 kids," and reported that students who began the program with low reading levels "have all shown growth." The presenter credited reading specialist Tammy O'Connor and a math intervention teacher for targeted work that produced measurable gains.

The program, Speaker 6 said, has increased collaboration with community partners including Lighthouse Recovery, Light Post Recovery and county human services, and is using peer mentors and youth justice partnerships for wraparound supports. "There's always a staff member with them as well," Speaker 6 said of community partners working with students.

Speaker 6 also described efforts to bridge support gaps during school breaks: a "bridge to break" initiative distributed groceries to families; the presenter referenced a program funding figure then described purchasing "$3,000 worth of groceries" for distribution before Christmas break. The team said it is planning off‑site after‑school life‑skills programming and exploring a hybrid credit recovery model for students needing course recovery.

Next steps: the program will continue individualized planning for each student, begin limited after‑school programming in the coming months, and report measurable academic outcomes to the committee.