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Superintendent outlines alternative-learning plan and vocational pathways for local schools
Summary
Michelle Parkin, superintendent, presented a phased plan for the district to adopt Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) and HyFlex models, expand vocational offerings and partner with Peninsula College mobile training and local employers; she warned state funding rules limit use of some private online programs.
Michelle Parkin, superintendent of the local school district, told the CQ Community Advisory Committee that the district is redesigning secondary education at the Clallam Bay campus to address declining enrollment and better match student interests and local workforce needs.
Parkin said the district surveyed students and staff and concluded that a more flexible model could retain students who are disengaged by the traditional schedule. She described a phased rollout that would begin next fall and include HyFlex options, remote check-ins and expanded electives tied to career pathways.
Parkin and staff warned of funding constraints tied to state rules: full‑time online learners can affect LEA equalization funding, and OSPI guidance limits use of private for‑profit online platforms in ALE programs. The superintendent said the district uses Edgenuity as an on-site supplement but that some online platforms would not be allowable for a formal ALE program that counts attendance for funding.
Speakers outlined proposed vocational and CTE offerings already being piloted or discussed: marine trades, welding, HVAC, web design, culinary arts and a possible module-based referee-certification pathway for students interested in officiating. Parkin said Peninsula College is developing a mobile training unit that could bring hands-on vocational instruction to rural campuses.
Parkin emphasized staffing needs for an ALE model: a dedicated coordinator and certificated teachers to develop curriculum and monitor student work. She and other speakers also proposed volunteer coordination, community-school partnerships and use of regional programs (AmeriCorps, ESD supports) to expand offerings and community engagement.
Parkin said she will discuss these initiatives with U.S. Senator Cantwell and that some broadband improvements previously supported by Senator Cantwell helped the district win rural funding for a past broadband project. The meeting did not produce a vote or formal board action; Parkin described a next-step timeline of phased rollout beginning in the fall term.
