Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Alternative Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bridges alternative program reports higher attendance, strong graduation progress
Summary
Bolivar administrators told the board that the Bridges alternative program has about 53 enrolled students, a first-semester attendance rate of 93.8%, near-term graduation progress for seniors, and uses Edgenuity and targeted MTSS interventions to support students.
The board received an annual update on Bridges, the district’s alternative and at-risk program, from high-school assistant principal Dr. Cody Gibson and Bridges leader Darren Ankaram.
Gibson outlined the MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support) structure the district uses to intervene early: tier 1 universal supports (RTI, after-school tutoring), tier 2 targeted interventions (intervention room and family engagement) and tier 3 individualized family meetings with counselors and administrators before considering a transition to Bridges.
Ankaram described current Bridges enrollment at about 53 students spanning grades 6–12, with the heaviest populations in grades 10–12. He reported first-semester attendance of 93.8% (the program’s stated goal is 95%) and said staff effort and parent engagement are central to that result. Ankaram said the program uses Edgenuity as its core online curriculum and that completing daily assignments helps students regain credit and stay on track.
Bridges’ leaders highlighted behavioral strategies: a recently added reset room (funded by a grant) where students can take short breaks to de-escalate, and a focus on building relationships to reduce major discipline incidents. The JAG program (in its third year at Bridges) was credited with providing community engagement and career experiences; Bridges staff said a JAG team will attend a state-level competition in Jefferson City.
Board members asked about parent accountability and how administrators encourage positive engagement; administrators described regular communication including intake meetings, phone calls and structured family meetings through the MTSS process.
No formal action was taken; the update was informational.
