Pathways principal outlines supports, increases to in-person hours and cites 342 graduates

Kelly Luke, principal of the Pathways program, presented the programs annual report and described how the program supports students with individualized needs. She said Pathways will raise its minimum in-person requirement from six to seven hours per day and increase weekly assignments to seven to better support student progress.

Luke emphasized that Pathways model pairs online curriculum with certified in-person teachers and wraparound services. "We try to remove barriers of all kinds," she told the board, and listed supports including on-site washers and dryers, a community meal train delivering frozen meals, birthday bags, volunteer transportation and small gas cards for students who need help with travel costs.

She outlined two diploma tracks: a 24-credit option comparable to the traditional high school diploma and a 20-credit pathway for older students or those with different goals to speed entry into the workforce. Pathways students also access CTE opportunities (construction trades, medical lab science, vet science), and one student is in the early middle college program.

Luke highlighted individual stories to illustrate the programs impact: she recounted a recent graduate who had attempted suicide and credited Pathways with helping that student complete school. She said Pathways celebrates progress in many forms and reported the program has produced 342 graduates as of June 8.

The board praised Pathways outcomes and staff. The report framed Pathways as an alternative model that meets students varied needs through academic flexibility and social supports.