Superintendent outlines Graduation Alliance option to re-engage students who have dropped out

Superintendent Robert Fitzpatrick summarized a briefing packet on Graduation Alliance during the Feb. 9 meeting, saying the organization helps locate and re-enroll students who have dropped out and provides online instruction until they can return to a district school. Fitzpatrick said the district viewed the program as cost-neutral because funding follows students once they re-enroll and that the program aims to return students to a graduation path and a diploma from the district when possible.

Trustees asked how many local students qualify and how the program interfaces with local attendance and truancy work. Fitzpatrick said he did not have a precise headcount at the meeting but pledged to provide that number. Board members also asked whether the district needed a competitive procurement for the work; staff noted a student-services exemption may apply and that procurement staff (mister Pettit referenced) would advise if competitive bidding is required. Trustees also asked whether Graduation Alliance provides laptops and technology; the superintendent said the vendor indicated it does provide technology for enrolled students in many cases.