Recap of joint LTCC and LTUSD board meeting

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The board of trustees for the Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) and Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) recently held their annual joint meeting. These meetings are a good highlight of the collaboration between the two.

Hosted by LTCC President Jeff Cowen and LTUSD President Valerie Mansfield, the meeting showcased a shared commitment to advancing educational opportunities in the community.

During the session, LTCC Superintendent/President Jeff DeFranco and LTUSD Superintendent Todd Cutler underscored the ongoing collaboration between the two institutions, expressing excitement about future endeavors. The agenda covered critical topics including South Tahoe High School (STHS) graduates' college-going rates, partnerships between LTCC and Mt. Tallac High School, dual enrollment initiatives, and calendar alignment progress.

Highlighting achievements, LTCC Director of Dual Enrollment Adam Eynon emphasized significant strides in increasing college enrollment rates among STHS graduates. Efforts to engage Latinx students and families yielded promising results, with a surge in enrollments at LTCC. STHS Principal Justin Zunino emphasized a cultural shift towards a college-bound mindset for all students, supported by enhanced communication efforts and parental involvement. STHS has seen an increase in students attending 4-year institutions from 22 percent in 2021 to 26 percent in 2023, as well as a significant increase in students attending LTCC from 30 percent in 2021 to 44 percent in 2023.

Notably, as a result of collaborative efforts at both institutions, the graduating class of 2023 saw a drop in the percentage of students opting out of college. In 2021, 41 percent of STHS students did not attend college their first Fall after graduation; by 2023, that percentage had fallen to 23 percent.

The partnership between LTCC and Mt. Tallac High School garnered praise, with Director Eynon and Teacher Amy Jackson facilitating a seamless transition for Mt. Tallac students into the college environment. Mt. Tallac students spend every Friday on the LTCC campus. This collaboration instilled confidence and a sense of belonging among students, transforming perceptions and fostering a direct pathway to higher education.

Further, the success of the dual enrollment program at STHS was celebrated, with Mr. Eynon noting its positive impact on college readiness. As discussions turned toward program sustainability, Dr. Cutler expressed LTUSD's commitment to its growth and alignment with the district's mission and vision.

LTCC Chief of Staff Ali Bissonnette highlighted the remarkable synergy between both institutions, emphasizing the collective responsibility for student success. Addressing calendar misalignments, the group explored options for synchronization, specifically the opportunity to align the Spring Break for both institutions and the benefits associated with alignment.

The joint board meeting exemplified a shared vision for educational excellence and community empowerment. As LTCC and LTUSD continue to collaborate, they pave the way for a brighter future for all students in the Lake Tahoe region.