The 18+ program, or adult transition services, prepares special education students age 18-22 for post-school life. There are currently 15 students enrolled in the program, and Director of Special Services Rick Roberts said the district anticipates future growth.
“Guided by each student's needs, abilities and their rights, the adult transition services program provides personalized instruction and real-world experiences that promote independence, employment readiness, and meaningful community participation,” Roberts said at the groundbreaking.
The 18+ facility design features several elements, including:
- Faculty spaces
- A simulated living environment
- A life skills classroom
- Outdoor learning spaces
“Historically, our classrooms were not designed for these unique purposes,” Superintendent Holly Morris-Kuentz said. “But this new building represents a powerful new opportunity, a space created specifically for their growth and goals.”
The 18+ facility is funded by a 2023 voter-approved bond, which allocated $3.41 million for this project.
Looking ahead
Construction is slated to begin in January, and the facility will be operational for the 2026-27 school year, according to school board President Stefani Reinold.
“The facility will be a tremendous asset for all students to earn greater independence as they move into adulthood,” 18+ student Carson Hamby said at the event.
