This commitment to human capital is operationalized through robust support systems aligned with the strategic plan’s goals. For staff, this includes coaching and a recently submitted state grant for telehealth services to support mental health. The district has also established “flight teams” involving rapidresponse units of social workers and psychologists deployed when a school experiences a crisis. This investment in its educators is a direct investment in the district’s mission, ensuring it can attract and empower the high-quality staff essential to student success. DUAL ENROLLMENT AND REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE The district’s strategic initiatives culminate in tangible, high-value opportunities for students. A significant shift toward dual enrollment is underway, with over 2,000 students participating. Critically, the district has removed the financial barrier. “All of our dual enrollment courses are free to all of our students and all of our families,” Smith states. This access is expanding into full associate degree pathways, with two new programs launching at North Stafford and Stafford High Schools, allowing students to graduate with a cost-free Associate of Science degree. A standout initiative is the Future Educators Academy. Students in this program can earn their associate degree on the path to becoming an educator and are offered a contract to return and teach in the district. Beyond the classroom, every specialty center pathway integrates direct work experience. “They have those work-based learning experiences, those internships that are embedded into that program… and each pathway also includes a capstone project,” Smith notes. These are not abstract concepts, the local hospital, for instance, hosts students and has hired several. “Several of our partners have really committed to not only hosting our students but then if they are able to complete the certifications and complete the coursework to hiring them when they’re done,” 359 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 STAFFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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