A work-study program in the Warren County R-III School District received approval for transportation funding during the monthly board meeting held Sept. 14.

Three students from the high school’s college and career readiness program have been going to Embassy Suites in St. Charles to participate in a job experience setting. The program, called Project Search, which has proven extremely beneficial for the special education department, has relied on a substitute bus driver to this point, district officials said.

Transportation Director Kevin Pirrung asked the board to approve a specific route driver for the Project Search program at a cost of $22,125.05. Currently students are transported the 185-mile route five days a week.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jill Schowe says the program is an effort by the district to comply with state standards and make sure students are well-equipped for life after high school. 

“The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has a goal by 2020 that every student leaving high school be college or career ready,” said Schowe.

The program is overseen by the Orchard Farm School District and has three rotations. Students participate in food preparation and service, business office tasks and housekeeping. They also have a classroom on-site so They start every morning in the classroom and make goals for the day and week, talking about social skills. 

“It’s just an absolutely great program, and we would like to see it continue,” said Schowe.

Often, graduates are hired by Embassy Suites following completion of high school.