Carolina Schombek, transition 99 department chair, introduced three students who described how a partnership with Oak Brook Fitness supports life-after-high-school goals for 18-to-22-year-old students with disabilities. "We go to the Up Brook Fitness Center to practice skills in a real community setting," student David Lopez said, describing treadmill and equipment use, cleaning routines and following rules.

Samantha Labriola, who said she serves as a peer swim leader, explained the program’s swim sessions and locker-room hygiene lessons: "Carolina has us swim laps for 30 to 40 minutes to exercise and get our heart rate up. After we finish swimming our laps, we can go on the hot tub for about five minutes." Max Foster described progress on the diving board and how structured activity helps students stay on task.

Schombek outlined the program’s goals: independent living, vocational supports (job coaches and a vocational coordinator), community-based instruction and microbusiness opportunities. She said the program uses trips to community sites to teach everyday tasks such as shopping, money handling and bus skills.

Board members thanked the students for speaking. A student board member highlighted broader student priorities for the semester, including a renewed emphasis on expectations, attendance and upcoming events such as a future Mustang night.

The presentation closed with board appreciation and no formal action was taken on the partnership itself.