Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tiger Academy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tiger Academy shifts to high‑school focus after grant losses; board hears mixed results on attendance and academic gains
Summary
District staff reported that Tiger Academy, the district’s alternative program, lost grant funding (roughly $500,000–$600,000 in prior grants), is now district‑funded, and will focus on high‑school students this year. Presenters and an SIU Carbondale evaluation cited academic gains, improved behavior, and continuing attendance and funding challenges.
Dr. Wemouth, executive director of Tiger Academy, and program staff gave the board an update on program outcomes, funding changes and plans for the coming school year.
Tiger Academy served 47 students in 2024–25 and is now funded by the district after the expiration of several grants. Presenters said grant funding in prior years was in the range of about $500,000–$600,000 and that the loss of that grant support requires program adjustments. "We are now district funded completely," Dr. Wemouth said, adding the district will focus Tiger Academy on high‑school students at the start of the year while staff explore alternative middle‑school programming.
Presenters described academic and social‑emotional outcomes: an average daily attendance rate of about 56%, with 58% of students improving between fall and spring measures; approximately 61% of high‑school students were on track by the end of the year, and several students graduated (one early in December and others in May). The presenters credited credit‑recovery tools (Apex Learning), AVID implementation, individualized schedules, restorative practices, and community partnerships (University of Illinois student groups, Parkland, local trades organizations) for a range of positive results.
A two‑phase program evaluation by Southern Illinois University Carbondale (phase two presented to the board) reported increases in math and reading for most students, higher motivation and confidence among students and parents interviewed, and a marked reduction in the frequency and seriousness of disciplinary incidents compared with students’ prior placements.
Board members asked about capacity, staffing and budgets. Staff said the program has historically set a cap around 40 students (37–38 last year) and could serve 40–45 high‑school students during staggered schedules, keeping class sizes deliberately small (about 10 students per class). Staff estimated grant shortfalls in the $500,000–$600,000 range and said they are pursuing additional grants and district funding to sustain daytime programming. The board heard that attendance remains the main operational challenge and that the program will continue incentives and community partnerships to boost participation.
Why it matters: Tiger Academy is the district’s primary alternative program for students who are disengaged, credit‑deficient, or facing disciplinary placement. Changes in grant funding and the decision to concentrate on high‑school students will affect placement options for middle‑school students and require coordination with regional alternative providers.
Next steps: Staff will pilot the high‑school focus this year, continue grant seeking and report back on program enrollment, attendance incentives, and any proposals to reintroduce middle‑school placements or in‑district alternatives later in the year.
