The Board of Education recognizes that there are parents who believe that their students have needs which may more appropriately be provided through an alternative school program than through the conventional school setting. These situations could include, but are not limited to, students who have difficulty coping with the conventional school program and are potential dropouts, teen parents or pregnant teenage students, students who need an extensive program of higher academic rigor and challenge, and students who need special programs of vocational preparation. Therefore, the Board may approve alternative educational programs which are driven by student needs, are feasible, and fall within the function normally associated with public education.
Individuals or groups of staff and/or community members interested in the development of such programs should make contact with the Office of the Associate Superintendent early in their deliberations to provide coordination in the development of the proposal for the alternative program.
The proposal shall include rationale and goals, a detailed description of the educational program including student performance standards that meet or exceed District and state standards, a communication plan, a plan for assessment of student progress and success of the program, a presentation of budget requirements including staffing, facilities needed and any special program requirements. The proposal shall be reviewed by the Superintendent and his staff for feasibility, completeness, and accuracy, and a recommendation for approval or disapproval of the proposal shall be made to the Board. Accepted proposals will also be forwarded to the District Accountability Committee for review and comment before Board action.
Alternative school programs will be subject to all policies of the Board of Education, unless a waiver of a specific policy or policies is requested by the proposing group and granted by Board action.
Enrollment in alternative school programs will be optional, and shall be made available to all students in the district who qualify on a first-come, first-served basis, or other equitable manner specified in the proposal. Parents electing alternative school enrollments will be responsible for transportation of students.
Adoption Date: February 06, 1995
Last Revised: January 09, 1995