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Board hears gains in online, parent-partnership and re-engagement programs; Yakima Online jumps to 748 students
Summary
District leaders reported growth and strong success rates in alternative learning: K–8 Virtual (252), Yakima Online (748), Parent Partnership (138) with weekly check-ins and monthlies credited for student engagement; Open Doors re-engagement/GED program also reported improved GED pass and diploma completion rates.
Dr. Lucero introduced principals overseeing alternative learning programs and Principal Melanie described Parent Partnership, K–8 Virtual and Yakima Online programs and their features: flexible curricular options, in-person tutoring, counseling, YMCA and Kids Castle partnerships and eligibility to participate in district athletics. Melanie reported enrollment counts (K8 virtual 252; Yakima Online 748; Parent Partnership 138) and said program success depends on weekly contact and monthly planning: "Our monthlies... is the key to our success rate," she told the board.
Melanie said 6th‑grade first-semester success in one of the virtual programs was 95% and that Yakima Online’s secondary success rates vary by grade (9th grade example at 67% first-semester success); overall the online and parent-partnership programs have grown rapidly this year. The board asked whether growth could be crowding out brick-and-mortar participation; Melaniereplied that families value the flexibility and that monthly contact and interventions are designed to keep students engaged.
Principal Riley described Open Doors, the district’s alternative re-engagement program that offers GED and diploma pathways. Open Doors requires students to attend a minimum of four hours per week, provides weekly case-manager check-ins, self-paced coursework, and supports GED testing on campus at no cost. Riley said the program’s GED pass rates have improved (pass-rate increases from roughly 65% toward the mid‑70s) and that the program tracks both GED and diploma completion while offering post‑completion planning and community-college partnerships.
Board members congratulated program staff on rapid enrollment growth and success rates and asked about how GED and diploma outcomes are perceived; administrators said GED outcomes are increasingly accepted by colleges and employers when scores meet contemporary standards and that strong GED scores can reduce or eliminate entry testing at some community colleges.
No formal board action was taken; program leaders said they will continue to track outcomes and refine engagement practices.
