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Winchester plans in‑district transition program for young adults after out‑of‑town provider moves
Summary
After the Highlander transition program moved out of town, Winchester administrators proposed a local Transition Academy for 18–22‑year‑olds to keep students in community settings; the program would start small (5–6 students) and aim to teach daily‑living and job skills with job coaching and community placement supports.
District leaders told the board May 12 they are developing a Winchester Transition Academy to serve young adults ages 18 to 22 after the current regional provider is relocating outside town.
Kathy Gabrielson, who led the presentation, said the district hopes to enroll five to six students initially and is scouting low‑rent locations and potential community partners, including the local college, as host sites. Proposed staffing includes a special education transition teacher, a transition coordinator stipend and job coaches. Administration told the board the program could be funded in part by reusing tuition budget lines already in place for out‑of‑district placements, and that they are seeking minimal or no rent from a community property owner who has expressed interest.
The program’s daily schedule would focus on independence skills (laundry, meal planning and preparation), job interview training, resume development and regular work‑site placements with on‑site job coaching. The administration emphasized that placement decisions remain IEP‑driven and that families will participate in PPT meetings to determine eligibility and placement.
Board members expressed support and asked administration to continue reporting a timeline and costs. The superintendent said staff would bring location details and an implementation plan to the board next month if possible.
