West Oso ISD approves MOU with Choice Living Community to place eligible 18+ students
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Summary
The board approved a memorandum of understanding to allow eligible West Oso students to access Choice Living Community, an 18+ transition program, at an estimated cost of $800 per month per student with optional transportation. Trustees weighed parental concerns and follow‑up plans before approving the MOU 5–0 with one abstention.
The West Oso Independent School District board on Monday approved a memorandum of understanding with Choice Living Community to allow eligible students who need continued transition services after graduation to enroll in that program while remaining West Oso ISD students.
Choice Living founder Dr. Jennifer Scott told the board the program aims to provide independent‑living and job‑coaching supports for students who need more intensive assistance than a typical high‑school transition program provides. "Choice Living Community believes that everyone we support deserves the best care and service that we can provide for them," she said, describing partnerships the program has formed with local businesses to provide hands‑on employment opportunities.
District staff said the base cost would be about $800 per month per student for 10 months; if the provider supplies transportation, the fee would increase by approximately $100 per month per student. District staff also said the student would remain enrolled in West Oso ISD so the district would continue to receive ADA funding for that student while the program addressed individualized IEP goals.
Trustees asked practical questions about parental notification, transportation options and follow‑up. Board members emphasized they expect the district to arrange parent tours and to monitor students after placement. One trustee warned that some parents would be reluctant to send students farther from home; administrators said the district would offer parent visits and payment options so parents would not be billed directly.
Liz Gutierrez, who abstained on the final vote, said she "can see that it's a good program, but . . . West Oso needs to take care of West Oso," citing distance and parental concerns. The motion to approve the MOU passed with five votes in favor and one abstention.
The approval allows the district to place eligible students under an MOU; specific student placements and the ARD committee decisions that authorize them will be handled case‑by‑case, per special‑education procedure. Administrators said they will set up regular follow‑up checks and notify the board if participation increases or if costs change.
