A pathway to independence: Comal ISD breaks ground on new campus for special education students

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The new campus was designed to provide hands-on experience in professional settings, Michele Martella, CISD executive director of special programs and services, said in an email to Community Impact.

It will be equipped with a commercial kitchen and offer team members hands-on experience in food preparation, service and hospitality, Stahl said in an email to Community Impact.

A retail sales lab will be incorporated into the space and allow team members to develop customer service skills and learn how to manage inventory.

The new campus will also feature an apartment-style living suite designed to support the development of independent living skills. The space will feature a bedroom, restroom, closet and kitchen, Stahl said.

“The unit provides team members with realistic, hands-on experiences in managing daily household tasks, fostering confidence and competence in maintaining a personal living space,” he said.

The Life Bridges program, which began in 2003, serves as a post-secondary transition program that aligns with federal and state requirements for individuals ages 18 and above under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Martella said.

There is an average of 60-80 team members who attend the program full-time, but team member enrollment is growing. Martella said the program’s enrollment has increased by 14% over the past five years.

“This program is truly the answer for young adults to gain independent life skills and employability before they turn 22 years old. Life Bridges provides life-changing outcomes,” Martella said.

And while the program continues to grow, so does the number of special education students within CISD. The number of students in special education has increased over the past decade—partially due to the recategorization of some learning disabilities, according to district data.

Looking back

The new Life Bridges Campus is part of Proposition A within the district’s 2023 voter-approved bond.

Proposition A costs $560.56 million and funds new schools, security and facility maintenance. New schools funded by the proposition include Elementary #22 in the Meyer Ranch development and Elementary #21.

In the fall of 2022, a replacement campus for the Life Bridges program was recommended by the Comal Forward Committee because of the programming it offers—such as vocational training and functional academics—and its continued growth within the community. Functional academics teaches team members how to apply their reading and math skills to real life.

The name “Life Bridges” is inspired by a bridge, symbolizing a supportive pathway connecting secondary school to post-secondary independence. “Life” reflects the focus on enhancing the quality of life for young adults transitioning to adulthood, Martella said.

How it works

Businesses and agencies partner with the Life Bridges program to ensure team members have every opportunity to meet their goals. Community partners are a “critical” component of the Life Bridges program, as they assist in teaching potential employees to serve their community in a productive manner, Martella said.

Team members participate in a wide range of activities designed to enhance their independent living skills. They learn how to budget, cook, complete job applications, shop and more. They are also taught appropriate work behaviors and how to apply their reading and math skills in real-life situations, Martella said.

On average, 90% of Life Bridges graduates go on to full- and part-time jobs and certification programs, and are prepared to live independently. A key component of the program is preparing team members to successfully participate in local Individualized Skills and Socialization, day activity and programs, Martella said.

What they're saying

“This facility is equipped to provide learning spaces and opportunities that will have a lifelong impact on the team members as they graduate from this program,” said Courtney Biasatti, CISD board of trustees president.

“This would not be possible without our local businesses and our agencies that work hand in hand with us, each and every day," said John E. Chapman III, CISD Superintendent.