Board hears Project SEARCH proposal to place interns with disabilities at Kalahari; asks staff to study logistics

Jennifer McDonough of Virginia Commonwealth University's rehabilitation research group described Project SEARCH, a 9‑month school‑to‑work program that places seniors (typically 18–21) in three unpaid internship rotations at a host business with on‑site classroom time and job coaching.

McDonough said Project SEARCH aims for competitive integrated employment after completion and reported statewide programs achieve roughly a 70%+ employment rate for participants. She said typical sites serve 8–12 students per year and require a one‑time licensing fee of $18,000 (split among partner divisions), plus staffing (a special‑education teacher and paraprofessional) and ongoing coordination with the host business and community rehabilitation providers.

Board members asked practical questions about student eligibility, transportation, whether internships rotate among departments (McDonough said students rotate through three internships and the model emphasizes individualized placements), and timeline (target program start was August 2027). Members also asked who would provide the special‑education staffing; McDonough said partner divisions are responsible for hiring teacher and paraprofessional staff and that the fee covers curriculum and training.

Following discussion the board voted 7–0 to task the superintendent with gathering information and next steps to determine whether Spotsylvania should pursue participation and what budget and staffing implications would be required.

Sources: testimony by Jennifer McDonough and board Q&A; motion and vote recorded.