The LAE board voted to approve a two‑year student‑learning‑time waiver for RISE Academy after the program’s principal reported higher completion rates and new supports introduced during a night‑program pilot.

Principal Carlos Cordero presented summary data from the pilot, saying the program reviewed 222 referrals and accepted 45 students for the evening program, and that senior completion exceeded the pilot goal. Cordero said 22 of 26 seniors in the pilot completed the program this year, an 85% completion rate; he told the board the remaining seniors were expected to finish by August. He also said the program graduated 31 students this year versus one the prior year.

Cordero described program demographics, said the district worked with DESE during the pilot and that teams provided feedback, and listed priorities for next year including more paraprofessional support, literacy intervention, world language, and expanded career‑technical exposures using virtual‑reality experiences with partners such as the Northeast Manufacturing Consortium.

Cordero explained the calendar math behind the waiver: he said the planned program will include 106 days of programming and that the DESE minimum compares differently; the waiver application notes the program will be short by roughly 45 hours of in‑seat time and describes how the district will address that shortfall. The district will submit the signed waiver to DESE for final approval.

Trustees praised the program’s gains and called for ongoing tracking of post‑graduation outcomes and partnerships to support internships and job placements. The board approved the waiver by roll call vote; no member opposed the motion.

The approval allows the RISE Academy to continue the alternative evening model under the waiver while the district implements the additional supports Cordero described.