In recent weeks, the superintendents from White River, Sumner and Enumclaw have had discussions regarding the continuation of the White River Alternative Programs (WRAP), including Collins High School, the Choice Program, and White River Online.

As the host district White River has determined, based on those discussions, that it is impossible to continue the programs in their current mode of operation. We have agreed that we will disband the cooperative with the 2012-13 school year, and create programs within our own White River, Enumclaw and Sumner Districts to serve our students.  There are several reasons for this and we would like to take this opportunity to explain.

• State funding limited to 80%-90% of full apportionment:  For some programs and some individual students, we no longer receive full funding from the State for alternative education
• Changes in the State’s attendance policies:  Less flexibility for schools and students
• Loss of significant enrollment at WRAP:  We have seen a steady decline in enrollment in the last couple of years.
• The need to better meet our students’ graduation rates:  Other education models may better serve our students.

WRAP has long been a viable and effective answer for many students for a variety of reasons.  However, as time and needs have changed, many innovative teaching and learning intervention strategies have been developed and incorporated into our other schools.  Each of our school districts have some of the best learning environments in the State. 

It is our responsibility and intent to serve all students and each of their unique learning needs.  We will be creative and yet provide meaningful ways for our resident students to achieve their educational goals, become productive community members, and be successful learners and workers beyond high school. Those students who are currently enrolled in the White River Alternative Program can apply for a waiver into the White River School District program to complete their plan with approval from their resident district.

Our leadership teams and staff are working diligently to develop programs to replace the WRAP offerings.  Please be patient as we move forward with this planning phase of our mission.  Within the coming weeks, the resident school district plans to conduct meetings with students and parents at each of the WRAP programs to communicate those plans and your options. 

Sincerely,

Tom Lockyer, White River Superintendent
Craig Spencer, Sumner Superintendent
Mike Nelson, Enumclaw Superintendent