Door County Alternative Program: board hears savings estimate, approves teacher hire and plans expansion

Director Lindsay Ferry gave the board a detailed review of the Door County Alternative Program (DECAP), telling members that the district’s first full year of implementation produced both student outcomes and measurable district cost reductions.

"Conservatively speaking we probably I'm anywhere between $150,000 to $170,000 that we've saved this year in housing our own students at the Door County alternative program," Ferry said, explaining that keeping students in‑district reduced expensive out‑of‑district placements and transportation costs. She also told the board the program was awarded a $100,000 grant that helped underwrite the first year and supports expansion plans.

Ferry described this year’s small initial cohort (several students from elementary and one or more high‑school enrollments used to fill capacity) and said the team successfully transitioned two students back to their home schools during the year. Citing those outcomes and partner commitments, the administration recommended expanding DECAP next year to accept students in grades 3 through 8 and to add academic supports in addition to the behavioral and self‑regulation services used this year.

The board approved the administration’s personnel recommendation to hire Scott Crumsey as the DECAP teacher beginning in the 2024–25 school year; the motion was moved and seconded in open session and recorded as carried. Ferry noted operational details: students remain enrolled in their home districts under contract, the district will charge a monthly tuition rate for contract placements, and DECAP will collaborate with Door County Health & Human Services and the Boys & Girls Club to build programming and space.

Ferry also noted a staffing transition: the current DECAP teacher Sky Skinner will not continue in the same capacity next year. The expansion plan includes full‑day placements, continued mental‑health supports and community experiences, and a focus on academic supports so students returning to their home schools are not farther behind.

Board members asked questions about enrollment and logistics; Ferry said capacity and marketing will be a focus through the summer and that the district will work with neighboring districts interested in the program. The next procedural steps are onboarding the approved teacher and further planning for the expanded services and budget implications.

The board will expect further updates to monitor enrollment and fiscal impact as DECAP transitions to the expanded model.