Fox Cities Leadership Academy details recovery, recruitment and expansion plan
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Summary
FCLA leaders told the board the half-day, project-based program at Appleton North has recovered enrollment since Covid, aims to expand toward 125 students and will apply for a 20% growth expansion grant; students described shadow days and strong community bonds.
Fox Cities Leadership Academy (FCLA) staff and students presented the program’s recharter overview and recruitment plans.
Patrick Lee, FCLA principal, described the half-day, project-based learning model administered as periods 5–8 at Appleton North. He said the program focuses on leadership skills, presentation and project work and that the FCLA leadership portfolio aligns with the Department of Public Instruction leadership-skills assessment.
Kevin Tubbs, FCLA governing-board president, and teacher-leader Misty Motor joined student presenters Isaac and Sadie to explain recruitment strategies including middle-school presentations and shadow days. Student Isaac described organizing recruitment and internship work: “The shadow day is really that turning point where students are able to truly see what FCLA is,” he said.
Lee noted the program dipped to about 39 students during the pandemic but has rebounded to the mid-80s and is pursuing an expansion grant requiring a roughly 20% enrollment increase (about 20 additional students for FCLA’s size). Trustees asked about transportation equity for half-day charters; students and presenters said carpooling and shadow-day outreach help but acknowledged transportation can be a barrier for some families.
Lee said FCLA’s academic outcomes include consistently strong state report-card measures and a near-100% graduation rate. The school will move forward with its charter renewal and may submit an expansion application that does not exceed the charter’s maximum authorized enrollment.