WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Reykdal bill partners school districts, communities to curb dropouts

State Representative Chris Reykdal (D-Tumwater) was joined by students, educators and community leaders in support of House Bill 1276 at a public hearing on the measure in the House Education Committee today.

The bill creates a pilot program partnering community based organizations, like food banks and small farms, with school districts to target at-risk youth. Under the direction of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the groups would develop an alternative high school program to complement traditional schooling.

“These programs have shown incredible results.  Engaging students in hands-on learning, community service, and food production is exactly what we need to do to reach some students,” said Rep. Reykdal. “The fact that these students earn both core credit and elective credit in an alternative setting is powerful and these programs need to be brought to scale.”

Rep. Reykdal crafted the legislation after working with GRuB– a Thurston County organization making strides in dropout prevention through their GRuB in the Schools Initiative. From 2001-2010, only about 39 percent of the students entering the program were on track to graduate. After enrolling in the GRuB program, over 90 percent of the students graduated or earned their GED.

Unfortunately, about 45 students are turned away every year because GRuB doesn’t have the site and staff capacity to serve them. Rep. Reykdal’s bill would provide the necessary funding for the program to expand- reaching even more at-risk youth.

“Our schools and our communities need the leadership of these youth, now and in the future,” said GRuB Executive Director Kim Gaffi. “Programs like GRuB provide struggling youth with an opportunity to make a real difference in their community which, in turn, makes a real difference in their lives.”